SERVICES could be lost and council tax increased after Braintree Council revealed it needs to save £3.34 million in four years.


In an announcement on Monday, the council said it would have to make the savings in response to cuts from central government.


Parish and town councils will be hit the hardest as all payments to them could be phased out within the next three years.

This means Witham Town Council would lose around £60,000 and Halstead Town Council would lose just over £25,000.


Contributions to vital services, including the Citizens Advice Bureau and Braintree Museum, could also be cut along with other organisations.


Homeowners who have a property empty for two years or more will have to pay a 50 per cent council tax premium and benefit claimants on the Local Council Tax Support Scheme of working age will have to pay an extra four per cent of their council tax liability.


Garden waste collections could also be scrapped between December and February.

Council leader Graham Butland, who last year received £18,378 in allowances plus £1,101 in expenses, said: “We have some tough decisions to make, but we are focused on maintaining our key frontline services.

"We’re in a better position than most thanks to our good financial planning over a number of years but we still have a significant challenge ahead.


“We, like all councils, will receive less central government funding so we have to do things differently by reducing our costs and finding innovative ways to generate income, but we aim to provide our taxpayers with value for money.


"There will be difficult decisions to make but I’m confident we can meet those challenges head on. We remain an ambitious Council for the district and will continue to invest in projects to help the district grow and prosper with economic growth and new homes.”

The proposals will be discussed during a cabinet meeting next Monday.