TAXPAYERS have been warned to expect significant increases in council tax.

Southend Council has already announced its plans for a 4.5 per cent rise to protect services and improve social care.

This will add about £60 to the average council tax bill from April, if approved.

Essex County Council is expected to also request an increase.

Basildon Council is planning a three per cent rise, if approved, which could add £8 to average bills with the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst proposing to raise the amount by £24 for a Band D home.

Basildon Council announced its plan in a document published this week.

The council has not confirmed where the extra money will be spent as it will not be publishing its draft budget until February 7.

However, in 2019 they will need to address a £1.5million budget gap caused by a reduction in Government funding.

Councillor Stuart Sullivan, chairman of the corporate resources committee, said: “It’s important that council tax represents value for money for the residents of the borough.

“Increasing it by any less than the proposed 2.99 per cent in 2019 would mean us having to find even more savings or cut services.

“We are determined to protect frontline services, while offering financial sustainability.

“The continued significant reduction in Government funding means that there is a gap between our expenditure and resources, which is why we are committed to securing value for money in the delivery of all council services and seeking innovative financial solutions to the challenges we face.

“Income generation is essential, including  continuing to prudently invest in the commercial property market.”

The Corporate Resources Committee will discuss the council tax increase at a meeting held next Wednesday.

If councillors agree, it will then be debated at a number of meetings.

The Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner is expected to announce its increase this week. Last year it was increased by just over £11 but this year it could rise by £24.

The new council tax bills, made up of county, district, emergency services and parishes will come in from April for the next financial year.