Another Essex council increases tax by 2.99%

Another council in Essex has agreed to increase its share of tax on residents by the maximum amount of 2.99%.

Members at Colchester City Council approved a budget for 2025-2026 at a meeting on Wednesday.

Essex County Council, Southend, Braintree, Basildon and Tendring are among the local authorities in the county that have already agreed tax increases.

The Liberal Democrat deputy leader at Colchester, Mark Cory, said his teams faced "pressures of rising costs and demand".

"This budget allows us to continue investing in our city, including our play parks, community facilities, and the legacy we leave behind," he said.

People in band D properties in Colchester city centre currently pay £2,069.49 per year.

Meanwhile, Harlow Council agreed to freeze its share of tax on residents at its budget meeting on Thursday.

Band D properties in Harlow currently pay £2,140.47.

Conservative leader of the council Dan Swords said he hoped to freeze tax until at least 2028.

His colleague, cabinet member for finance James Leppard, said: "Our budget paves the way for a brighter future."

Last year, the Labour government said councils could increase their share of tax by 2.99% without holding a referendum, and by 4.99% if they had social care duties.

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