Braintree District Council’s initial budget proposals show an improved position for 2026/27 despite ongoing financial challenges.
The initial budget will be discussed at the council’s Corporate Scrutiny Committee on Wednesday, 19 November, providing an opportunity for Members to consider and comment on the proposals before they are formally presented to Cabinet.
An increase in income combined with savings and efficiencies has helped reduce the projected budget shortfall to £482,000 for the next financial year.
While the reduction in the shortfall is a positive step, the council continues to face significant financial pressures. A budget gap of £2.8 million is projected by 2029/30, driven by increasing demand for services and rising costs as well as inflation pressures.
To help address these future challenges, the Council is progressing its ‘Fit for the Future’ transformation programme. This initiative is focusing on delivering efficiencies and savings to ensure a stable financial position in the medium and long term.
Despite these challenges, the council remains committed to supporting residents and communities. The budget proposals include:
- A further £400,000 investment into its cost-of-living programme over the next two years to support residents who face continued challenges with the cost-of-living
- No cuts to services and a freeze on garden waste subscription charges
- Up to £255,000 funding to support lighting for festive celebrations in Braintree, Halstead and Witham for December 2026 and beyond
- Continued support for low-income households through the Council Tax Support Scheme
- Money set aside to support transition on future local government reorganisation and to ensure continued service delivery for residents during this period of significant change.
The councillor community grant scheme is proposed to continue, with an increased amount of £1,500 available per councillor to support local projects. As part of its commitment to tackling climate change, an additional £100,000 has been assigned to initiatives which support the environment.
More investment across the district is planned with over £3 million additional funding being allocated for 2026/27. The council’s capital investment programme already includes funding for key projects such as the new Witham Community Centre and investment in community facilities and property assets.
Significant investment is being made into expanding the council’s waste and recycling collection so that more material can be recycled, reducing the amount going to landfill. The budget includes a proposal for £1 million to help plan and prepare for upcoming changes to Greater Essex’s local government structure that are being made to ensure that local government continues to be able deliver to residents in the longer term. This funding will ensure that key service provision is protected through the transition period as well as contributing to the new structures.
These proposals give an indication of the council’s position, but the final budget remains subject to the funding settlement from central government and the outcome of the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement later this month.
Cllr Graham Butland, Leader of Braintree District Council, said: "From supporting our local communities to improving our town centres and tackling climate change, we remain focused on delivering on our priorities while making sure we’re financially prepared for the challenges ahead. We are continuing to invest in the district and our services through to 2028 when we anticipate the transition to a new unitary authority as part of local government reorganisation, and focussing on making sure our district is well-positioned for that transition and change. These proposals show our commitment in delivering services to residents while planning for a sustainable future.”
Cllr Kevin Bowers, Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Performance at Braintree District Council, said: “The budget proposal for this year strikes a balance between managing pressures and investing in the priorities which matter most to our communities. The improved position is encouraging due to our sound financial management and means we do not need to make any cuts to services. We remain focused on long-term sustainability through transformation and efficiency, making savings from changing the way we work and generating additional income where we can - all in an effort to protect vital services now and in the future.”
The final budget, including the proposed council tax rate, will be agreed in February 2026.