Braintree District Conservatives passed their new Budget at a meeting of the Full Council on Monday evening with no votes against by opposition groups.
The Budget keeps council tax low whilst ensuring no cuts or fee increases to our services.
Whilst the Labour government is determined to hike taxes on small businesses, independent schools and working people, Braintree District Conservatives know that it is important for families to keep more of what they earn.
This Budget will ensure the Council's financial stability for the financial year 2025/26, allowing local Conservatives to continue to deliver for residents with zero cuts to the services we all rely upon.
Unlike the Conservatives, Labour and the Independent & Green Group have no plan for our district. Neither group added amendments to our Budget, with Labour abstaining and failing to vote for our plan to keep council tax low.
As a result of the tough decisions taken to repair the Council's finances after a huge spike in inflation caused by Putin's war in Ukraine, the Conservative administration is able to invest in the priorities of communities across the district.
With uncertainty about the future of local government in Essex, this Budget ensures the Council will be financially resilient for the challenges to come.
Keeping Council Tax LOW
Thanks to our sound management of the Council's finances, we are increasing Council Tax by 11p a week, or £5.94 a year for a Band D property. This means we are still one of the lowest council tax areas in Essex and are able to set a balanced budget.
Garden Waste Subscription FROZEN
We believe in keeping the amount you pay for your council services as low as possible, which is why we have frozen the price of the Garden Waste Subscription Service this year, keeping it at £55 for one bin collected bi-weekly.
Parking Charges FROZEN
We are also freezing parking charges across the district - all part of our commitment to keeping the cost of council services low whilst boosting local business and helping residents to get about.
INVESTING in our Community Assets
Thanks to our commitment to protecting the countryside whilst ensuring we are building enough new homes, we have been able to set aside £1.5 million to invest in places we all care about across our area.
CONTINUING our Cost of Living Support
Whilst the Labour government has cut the Winter Fuel Payment for 27, 810 pensioners in the Braintree District, local Conservatives are continuing to support the vulnerable with our £1m Cost of Living Fund.
NEW Litter and Dog Bins
We agree that our litter bins, and particularly our dog bins, across the district are in need of an upgrade, which is why we are investing £50,000 in revamping dog waste collection and putting in new bins.
CLEANING UP the A120
We know that residents want the district kept clean and tidy, which is why we are allocating £150,000 to support our teams to clean the A120 roadside. We are only able to do this as a result of the tough decisions we have taken to ensure sound management of the Council's finances.
NO CUTS
We are able to do all of this with no cuts to the services our residents rely upon.
