CASTLE Point Council is bucking the trend and freezing its portion of council tax this year despite fears over the “long-term impact”. 

The borough council has confirmed it will not increase its part of the council tax bill this year.

The overall bill for Castle Point combines the borough council, Essex County Council, which is raising its portion of council tax by 4.9 per cent and levies by Essex Police and the fire service.

They are increasing their part of the bill by 5.5 per cent and 2.91 per cent respectively.

Castle Point Council says it has managed to avoid rising council tax by saving £500,000 on slashing the number of top tier council officers and “positive returns” on the council’s investments over the last 12 months. 

Despite being asked by the Echo, Castle Point Council has not revealed details around the financial investments. 

It comes as neighbouring Basildon Council prepares to raise its precept by 2.99 per cent.

Stephen Mountford, Castle Point councillor responsible for resources, says the new budget reflects the “ongoing transformation” of the council.

He said: “We’re ensuring residents get value for money. The top tier changed from seven to three council officers, saving £500,000. We’re monitoring roles, so people are accountable to the council, rather than it being officer-led.”

However, the council’s assistant finance director has warned the council “will shortly be living beyond its means” due to an effective “cap” on tax increases, coupled with uncertainty over funding and “rising costs”.

Switching to a four-yearly election cycle will also save the council £250,000 over the next years. 

Mr Mountford remains confident “a more efficient way of running the council” will increase reserves despite the cap, adding: “It’s not been done on the back of a fag packet. We’ve reduced the budget gap for next year. The 2025/26 budget is in a healthier position than when we inherited it.”

More council services are also set to move online to reduce transaction costs but phone calls will still be available to those without internet access.

Jay Blissett, Tory councillor for Canvey West, said: “We’d all love to not raise the precept but we have to be realistic and accept these things have to be done. Is the council still going to be able to do everything it needs to? I’m concerned about the effect in the long run.”