RESIDENTS and businesses in Essex have just one week left to have their say on Essex County Council’s 2026/27 budget priorities.

Insights gathered from the online survey will be used to guide public spending in the next financial year.

The council spends around £2 billion every year on essential services including social care, highways and education.

There are increasingly complex demands on the council’s services, alongside a growing and ageing population in Essex. The council also faces financial pressures from inflation and the cost of living.

The survey allows residents and businesses to give their views on the priorities for the council’s budget next year.

Councillor Chris Whitbread, the Chancellor of Essex, said: “We are really keen to hear from residents on our budget priorities as we develop how we respond to the uncertainty and pressures local government is facing.

“Essex is in a strong and stable financial place thanks to our years of careful and disciplined fiscal planning. However, we must continue to do things differently and secure better value for money for Essex taxpayers.

“Residents’ and businesses’ feedback in this survey will be used to help guide our budget proposals for the coming financial year and I would urge them to have their say.”

The online survey is open until Monday 15 December 2025.

Take part at: https://consultations.essex.gov.uk/rci/ecc-budget-consultation-2026-27/.