Essex residents reminded to share their priorities for the future

There is just over a week left for Essex residents to share their views and help to shape Essex County Council’s (ECC) future plans, including the county’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is anticipated that ECC will spend over £2bn on essential services next year. However, with the ongoing pandemic and unforeseen additional costs, the organisation is facing significant pressures.

It is therefore vital that ECC’s budget plans are fully informed by the experiences of Essex residents so that ECC can respond appropriately to meet local need within the resources available.

Views shared will inform the county council’s plans for the next 18 months, its 2021/22 budget, as well as longer-term strategies. 

Cllr David Finch, Leader of ECC, said:

“Like many public sector organisations across the country, the COVID-19 pandemic has placed significant pressure on our resources, impacting local communities, public services and the Essex economy.

“Although we are continuing to do everything we can to rise to these unprecedented challenges, we are clear that our plans need to be about more than just responding now; we need to plan ahead for the future to ensure we can continue to meet the needs of our residents during and beyond the pandemic.

“I am urging all Essex residents to tell us about their priorities, aspirations and concerns, not just those being experienced at this moment in time, but those they might be expecting to face as we head into next year.

“We are facing some big decisions over the coming weeks and by gathering residents’ views now, we can ensure that what we decide is absolutely right for the county.”

ECC has a strong track record of financial management, having saved in the region of £1billion since the onset of the banking crisis and facing significant financial pressures over the past ten years.

The budget consultation is divided into two parts: part one focuses on priorities for recovery across Essex and the challenges faced by the county. 

Part two focuses on the financial pressures facing the county council itself – it invites views on how ECC should allocate resources to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 and sustain public services.  

The consultation will remain open until Friday 6 November and can be accessed here: https://consultations.essex.gov.uk/rci/budget-consultation-2021-22