HOMES across Rochford will still get good value for money from their local authority, the council insists after approving a tax increase of almost 3 per cent.

Members of Rochford District Council voted unanimously to increase council tax for homes by 2.95 per cent, an extra 91p per week for the average household.

The council approved the plans, stating that they will face a budget gap of £2.1million by 2021, by which time it must become financially self-sufficient.

Leader of the council Terry Cutmore said: “Although these are still difficult financial times, Rochford District Council remains committed to providing excellent services to our residents and partners.

“With this in mind, we will be doing all we can to deliver innovative and high-quality services.”

This increase includes the council increasing their portion by 1.95 per cent, or 8p a week, on top of increases from the other authorities that make up the bill.

Comparatively, the increase is less than neighbouring authorities, with Southend’s upped by 4.99 per cent, but residents still pay more to live in the district.

Suzanne Mason, of London Road, Rayleigh, said: “I’m pleased it is not going up as much as others but with savings earning nothing and personal incomes not increasing, it will still hit hard.”

Richard Lambourne, member of the Rayleigh Action Group, feels while the hike is not as high as some other authorities, they could still make better decisions.

He said: “I am still grappling with why social care costs are soaring and think central government really needs to do something about it, but on a local level the council could be saving more money.

“If they scrapped the cabinet system they could save thousands for a start and do senior councillors really need a limousine to be driving round in?”