Residents, businesses and the environment at heart of Braintree District Council’s proposed budget

The budget plans focus on the most urgent challenges facing the district

Braintree District Council’s budget proposals for the coming financial year will strengthen the communities and businesses most impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID‑19) pandemic while also investing significantly in measures to protect the environment. 

The budget plans focus on the most urgent challenges – the impact of the pandemic on residents and businesses, support for the most vulnerable and the environment.  

Cabinet will also consider a range of options in regard to council tax including the possibility of setting a zero council tax increase for 2021/22 to recognise the financial challenges confronting many residents.  

Half a million pounds will be earmarked for future climate change initiatives including increasing the number of electric charging points, creating a community tree and bulb planting scheme and investing in cycling as a sustainable method of transport. The investment underpins actions identified through the council’s draft Climate Change Strategy. The strategy is being worked on by working groups across the district representing businesses, residents and community organisations. The strategy will be published later this year.  

The council has also set aside money for its Exceptional Hardship Fund which can provide short-term assistance to families facing exceptional financial difficulties. The council has also set aside money to help prevent homelessness. 

Money is also earmarked for disabled facility grants which help vulnerable people make changes to their homes so they can remain independent, play area refurbishments and proposals for Witham and Halstead town centres public realm improvements. More funding is proposed to be allocated to the Braintree District Councillors’ Community Grant Scheme which will provide additional support for local projects and initiatives.  

Car parking charges will remain frozen in 2021/22. Freezing parking charges at their current price gives residents the benefit of parking with no increase so they can get back to the district’s shops and services as soon as COVID‑19 allows. 

During and after the pandemic is the time where residents and businesses need jobs and opportunities like never before. Braintree District Council is laying the groundwork which will see the Braintree District become the new home to innovation and make sure that the district is in a strong position to bounce back after the pandemic. A range of innovative schemes will make good progress this year such as the Horizon 120 Business and Innovation Park and the I-Construct project which will be a beacon for excellence in construction. 

A range of private firms are already coming into the district bringing with them jobs and opportunities such as Gridserve, the CGT Catapult Manufacturing Innovation Centre and the many firms relocating to the district to make the Horizon 120 Business and Innovation Park their new home. 

Council leader Cllr Graham Butland said: “Residents, businesses and the environment are at the heart of our budget setting process. The environment was key in our mind when we put together the budget proposals and the investment will mean that once the pandemic has passed, we can all bounce back greener than before. I am pleased that the district is being put on the map thanks to private firms recognising that our district is THE place to do business. There is a double benefit for residents because not only do they have more jobs and opportunities closer to home, but these investments give us a return on investment which pay for our traditional frontline services.”  

Like many councils, Braintree District Council has experienced losses in income since the pandemic struck. The pandemic has also increased demands on council services. The council has received extra funding from central government in order to cover some of the unexpected costs and income reductions however there is likely to be a shortfall for which the council has earmarked £1million.   

Cllr David Bebb, Cabinet Member for Finance and Performance Management, said: “Due to years of prudent financial management we remain in a stable position to withstand the difficulties this past year has produced.” 

The plans will now be scrutinised at Performance Management Board on February 3, at Cabinet on February 8 and Full Council on February 22.  

The Cabinet papers can be viewed here.

Published: 29th January 2021