ESSEX County Council’s 2026/27 budget has been signed off – and local priorities are front and centre. In addition, £6 million of extra funding is now going straight into fixing the county’s roads claims Essex County Council.

A spokesman said: “The council’s spending plans were approved at today’s Full Council meeting (Thursday 12 February). It sets out how the authority will protect vital services, support vulnerable residents and keep Essex moving, all while keeping council tax low.

More than 1,300 residents had their say during the council’s budget consultation, and their priorities were clear: improve the roads, increase support for those who need it most, improve infrastructure and help create good jobs.

Next year’s budget delivers £82 million of extra investment across key services, with the additional funding for highways confirmed at the meeting — money that will go straight into repairing roads and pavements across the county.

The council’s capital spending programme will prioritise creating new school places, investment in major infrastructure schemes and long‑term projects designed to keep the Essex economy growing.

All this comes despite a tough national backdrop of rising costs, inflation and increasing demand for services. Despite this, the council has kept the council tax rise to 3.95%, well below the maximum allowed and equal to £1.20 a week for a Band D property.

The council is also instigating a major savings push next year – £41 million of efficiencies are earmarked in 2026/27 alone – freeing up cash to protect frontline services and keep bills down. This builds on the £192 million already saved over the past five years”.

“The council is also aiming to save £100 million in future years by modernising how services are delivered, using new technology, embracing innovation and learning from best practice.

Councillor Chris Whitbread, Chancellor of Essex, said: “This is without doubt a budget for the people and businesses of Essex. We are on your side. The budget is built on sound finances and shaped by what people have told us matters most. That’s why we’re pleased to confirm the extra funding for highways.

“We never forget that every pound we spend comes from hardworking residents and we will never tax people a pound more than we absolutely must. Despite the financial pressures facing councils across the country, we have kept council tax as low as possible while still investing in the services residents rely on – including further funding for our highways and additional support for Children’s Services, SEND and Adult Social Care.

“Our plan – Everyone’s Essex – is not just about spending more, it is about delivering better value from every pound and changing the way we work so we can continue to provide the frontline services our residents deserve.

“We have a strong track record of efficiency and our ambitious transformation programme means we can continue to protect frontline services while investing in the future of our great county.”

The council’s 2026/27 budget and annual plan are available to read here: https://cmis.essex.gov.uk/essexcmis5/CalendarofMeetings/tabid/73/ctl/ViewMeetingPublic/mid/410/Meeting/5554/Committee/50/SelectedTab/Documents/Default.aspx