News that over the next 2 years our funding from government will be cut by 27% means that like every other local authority we face the challenge of continuing to provide essential services more efficiently.  We asked you to join the debate about how to find savings of £4.99 million over the next two years. 

Over 1300 people took the time to complete the survey in Contact our resident’s magazine.  Many people responded online and another 120 people wrote in with their views.

Many of the decisions the Council took reflected the majority of views expressed.  Where proposals were not supported so clearly by you, the Council decided to alter the proposal.  For example the Council has decided to continue funding for a further year the walks programme and the school holiday activity days. In the meantime we will be working with clubs and volunteers to help ensure these healthy activities continue beyond March 2012.

You can see the overall responses to each of the proposals by clicking here (PDF document)

In spite of some difficult choices we are also pleased to say that we have: 

-  identified vital savings of £4.99 million

- protected the majority of front line services

- frozen Council Tax for 2 years – 0% increase

- reduced the number of  committees and special allowances to cut bureaucracy

- invested in priority areas including town centre improvements, Green Heart of Essex campaign and Enterprising Communities Fund