£12.3 million boost for Essex roads and foster carer fee rise announced by County Council

Essex County Council continues to prioritise areas important to residents in its budget plans for next year.

An additional £12.3 million funding boost for highways has been announced today (Thursday 13 February) as part of Essex County Council’s 2025/26 budget.

The council’s budget and annual plan for next year were presented to and formally approved by county council members at a meeting of the Full Council.

The extra funding for highways improvements will be allocated across several areas, including:

• £8.5 million to continue the Members’ Highways Initiative
• £1.6 million increase in the road safety budget
• £1.3 million for improvements to cycle paths
• £500,000 new funding to repair damaged road signs
• £400,000 extra funding to improve drains and reduce the risk of flooding

In 2024/25 significant additional funding was invested in priority highway repairs and maintenance. This year’s budget will allow much of that progress to continue, while also providing a funding boost to other areas of highway improvements.

Councillor Tom Cunningham, Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport, said: “I hear time and again how important it is to residents that we carry out much needed road repairs and how doing so makes them proud of where they live. So, I am pleased that for another year we have been able to invest a significant amount of additional funding to carry out the repairs residents want to see and that we know will improve their journeys.

“Next year’s additional investment also acknowledges that Essex has one of the busiest road networks in the country and this takes its toll not just on the road surface but on the safety of our roads. It is our duty to do what we can to ensure everyone’s journey in Essex is as safe as it can be.”

In addition to highways, the council will prioritise the spending of its more than £2 billion budget next year across other key areas, to deliver:

• a strong, inclusive and sustainable economy
• a high-quality environment
• positive health, wellbeing and independence for all ages
• a great place for children and families to grow

The council’s 2025/26 budget plans include a Council Tax increase of 3.75%. This includes a 1.75% general increase and 2% increase in the adult social care precept. For an average Band D property, this would mean an increase in the county council element of Council Tax of £1.09 a week.

Councillor Chris Whitbread, Chancellor of Essex, said: “We have a strong track record of delivering for the residents and businesses of Essex. Our extra investment in key areas such as highways is proof that we are listening to and prioritising what is most important to the people we serve.

“However, this budget has been set within extremely challenging economic circumstances nationally. The impact of high inflation and the increasing costs of providing services are undoubtedly taking a toll on local government finances.

“While I am proud to have once again presented a balanced budget for next year, we must ensure we are also sustainable in the long-term. This is the responsible thing to do and one that has meant we have had to make difficult decisions when setting this budget, particularly in respect of Council Tax.

“As in previous years, we remain committed to achieving good value for money and investing in the future of the county, not just the here and now. We never forget it’s tax-payer’s money we’re spending and every pound is accounted for and allocated.”

Last week, the Government confirmed that Greater Essex would be part of its devolution priority programme and can move forward with local government reorganisation.

Councillor Whitbread, added: “We remain committed to delivering essential services for residents and businesses in Essex. Our budget will enable us to keep doing this as we work with the Government on future council structures and funding models."

As more children come into care, there is also more demand than ever for foster carers in Essex. As a result, the council has committed to updating the financial and wellbeing support available to them.

It was also announced today that foster carers fees will rise on average by 16%, in line with inflation. This increases foster carers take-home pay while they continue to support vulnerable children.

Foster carers, including those who join in 2025, will also benefit from increases including:

• increases to specialist fees (including ambassador and buddy roles)
• dedicated funding for support networks
• a £2,000 one-off loyalty bonus to households who fostered during 2024
• a £2,000 welcome bonus to new fostering households during 2025

Councillor John Spence, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Adult Social Care and Public Health said: "We are proud to announce these increases in recognition of the vital role that foster carers play in children and young people’s lives. We are grateful for the dedication and patience of foster carers and hope the increases will encourage more people to start fostering. If you have ever considered fostering, please find out more as you could provide a child with the care and stability they need for a brighter future."

During the Full Council meeting, Nicole Wood was also formally confirmed as the council’s new Chief Executive. Nicole has now officially taken over from Gavin Jones who announced his retirement last autumn.

Also announced at the Full Council meeting was the £1.3 million Essex Year of Opportunity. Building on the success of Essex Year of Reading and Essex Year of Numbers, the council will empower and inspire people to gain new skills and pursue exciting career opportunities through this latest campaign.