BASILDON Council has approved a balanced Budget for 2026/27 at Full Council on 12 February 2026, setting out ambitious plans to deliver regeneration, new homes, improved community safety and major investment across the borough – while freezing Council Tax for Basildon services.
The approved budget includes:
- A £45.2 million net revenue budget for services in 2026/27 – an increase of £7.3 million (19%) on the current year
- £1 million of new savings, primarily through income generation, service redesign and staffing restructures
- Continued protection of £0.5 million investment into the borough’s six Area Committees
- An £11 million General Fund capital programme and a £38.2 million HRA capital programme
- A freeze in Basildon Council’s share of Council Tax, with Band D remaining £304.56 per annum
- A 4.8% increase in council rents, in line with the Government’s Rent Standard (September CPI +1%)
The Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) to 2029/30 was also noted, forecasting a budget gap of £5.8 million in 2027/28, rising to £13.1 million by 2029/30. Further savings proposals will be developed during 2026.
The budget follows a borough-wide consultation in autumn 2025, with residents prioritising community safety, clean neighbourhoods and protecting essential services. Feedback directly informed the proposals approved by Council.
The 2026/27 budget supports major regeneration, including:
- Working with our partners Sanctuary Housing to ensure the new Lidl in Laindon is delivered
- The Pitsea and Wickford Masterplans
- Working with partners to ensure the redevelopment of the former Wickford Police Station and the former Co-op site
- The new Eastgate hospital
The council has also secured £40 million Pride in Place funding delivered over the next ten years to support regeneration of our key housing areas of the Five Links area of Lee Chapel North and the Chalvedon area of Pitsea.
Nearly 300 new council homes will be delivered this year, with 412 planned next year and a long-term ambition for 4,200 over ten years. The budget also invests in housing improvements, community safety, skills, free weekend parking, culture, sports and health initiatives. Despite pressures including Temporary Accommodation, the budget remains balanced, fully funded and supported by prudent reserves.
Cllr Gavin Callaghan, Leader of the Council and Cabinet member for Finance and Strategy said:
“This budget delivers on the people’s priorities. We’ve frozen Basildon Council Tax at £304.56 for Band D while investing in regeneration, housing and safety. Basildon is ambitious and this budget reflects that.
“Basildon is getting its confidence back. Investment is happening and it’s happening here.
“We are building homes, regenerating our town centres and making communities safer and we’ve frozen council tax while doing it.”
He added: “With this budget, you can believe in Basildon.”
