New homes have helped to boost council coffers by more than £500,000.

Maldon District Council is due to receive £571,649 from the New Homes Bonus scheme for the next financial year.

The Government makes the payments to local authorities for contributing towards building new homes and is based on the amount of extra council tax revenue raised for new-build homes, conversions and long-term empty homes brought back into use.

An extra payment is made for providing affordable homes.

It will be go towards the provision of council services including rubbish and recycling collections and leisure facilities.