Tendring’s council tax bill look set to rise by an average of £5 in 2021 if its budget plans are approved by councillors.

The proposed increase – supported by the council’s cabinet – would mean that Tendring’s share of a Band D property’s council tax will rise from £172.64 to £177.64. On Friday, The plans will now be scrutinised by an overview and scrutiny committee before final budget proposals are voted on by Cabinet and then full council in February.

The council says that the extra income will help to balance the books as it deals with the impact of Covid-19 and moves towards being self-sufficient as government continues to phase out grant funding. Tendring will receive a general grant of just over £400,000 from the government next year and a forecast deficit will be met by the council’s forecast risk fund.

Carlo Guglielmi, Tendring’s cabinet member for finance and corporate resources, said:  “Despite the uncertainty we face at the moment due to the pandemic – both in terms of health and economy – due to our prudent approach in previous years we remain in a stable position.”

Guglielmi added that although there are some cost pressures on the council and risks such as cliff stabilisation works at Holland-on-Sea, it has also seen some increased income – including up to £115,000 in recycling credits due to the authority’s new waste service.