Council publishes its proposed budget for 2025/26 which includes investment in services
Rochford District Council has published its budget proposals for the next financial year (April 2025 to March 2026). The proposed budget will be discussed by councillors at the Strategy, Finance & Policy Committee on 28 January, before going to Full Council next month.
The proposals set out how the Council intends to manage the increasing cost of delivering vital services and be prepared for external financial pressures, whilst still being able to invest, maintain and develop services over the coming year and beyond. Overall, the proposal is for a balanced budget and no borrowing. The budget proposal, along with the Council Tax proposal for 2025/26 and Fees and Charges will be taken to Full Council on 18 February for agreement.
To maintain and invest in vital services, the proposal is to increase the Rochford District Council element of Council Tax by 2.95% for 2025/26. This would equate to a charge of a Band D property increasing by £7.66 a year to £267.66 per annum for Rochford District Council services. This increase is largely in line with District councils across Essex.
The Council’s agreed Medium Term Financial Strategy includes a five-year investment programme that supports the whole district, including further investment in the Mill Arts & Events Centre. The funds allocated are aimed at bringing the building back into good repair, which will form part of the overall business plan and options for the future of the building and its important role in Rayleigh. This is in addition to the forecast £300,000 that will have been spent in 2024/25.
Other planned investments over the next 5 years include:
- £1,000,000 towards Play Equipment Replacement across the District;
- £786,000 investment to improve the Council’s leisure centres;
- £298,000 for the replacement of vehicles;
- £250,000 on IT improvements;
- £211,000 for the Rayleigh Windmill, Rayleigh Grange Community Centre, and other works;
- £110,000 for street lighting;
- £100,000 for Heritage and Cultural Assets works
Councillor James Newport, Leader of Rochford District Council and Chair of the Strategy, Finance & Policy Committee said: “Financially, the Council is in a good position, where we are looking to set a balanced budget that requires no borrowing. Whilst this is a great position to be in, it doesn’t happen by accident - it is what we have planned and prepared for.
“No councillor wants to increase Council Tax, but the extra £7.66 a year per household the council will receive for the Rochford District Council portion of Council Tax, will ensure that we can maintain and invest in the services our residents and businesses rely on.
“We want residents to see their money is being spent wisely and put to good use – and our additional investments for next year are in areas we know matter to them, like our cultural assets, leisure centres and play areas.
“Whilst there is some uncertainty around what local government reorganisation will mean in the future - there is no uncertainty around our ambitions for our services and our commitment to continue to listen to residents on what they want those services to deliver, which we have recently outlined in our Corporate Plan.
“I look forward to having hearing from councillors their views on the proposed budget next week.”
Following debate on 28 January at the Strategy, Finance & Policy Committee, the proposed budget will go to Full Council on 18 February.
Rochford District Council Committee meetings and Full Council are available to watch live, or on catch-up, on our YouTube Channel