Council tax could rise by almost three per cent in the Basildon borough.

The council says the extra money will be used to improve CCTV and park equipment and stop travellers pitching up in public spaces.

Basildon council’s policy and resources committee will meet on January 25 to recommend the budget to council.

The proposed budget which will see a weekly increase of 15p which works out £7.80 annually, for band D properties.

The increase will see £700,000 invested into local communities, higher protection for front line services and attempts to modernise and improve resident’s services.

Councillor Gavin Callaghan, chairman of Basildon council’s policy and resources committee, said: “We were faced with a massive budget gap when we took office last year and closing that gap has been a monumental task.

“To do that, avoid cuts to front line services, find money to invest in all five towns of our borough and keep the council in good shape to meet its long-term objectives and face future challenges is a tremendous achievement.

“This is only possible because we have restructured the council from the inside and found new ways to increase income and reduce costs.

“I trust councillors will understand the scale of the challenge the council faces and will appreciate that this budget offers financial sustainability in the medium-term and also significantly reduces the savings that will need to be found next year.”

Some of the areas the council intends to invest include £10,000 for Bollards, to prevent illegal encampments and CCTV at various locations including Wickford Memorial Park, Northlands Park and Nevendon Park at costs ranging from £10,000 to £20,000.

The biggest cost being the transformation towards becoming a digital authority. The investment will see that the council becomes a fully digital authority by 2025. At a cost of £111,900.

Following a public consultation the council have said they are intending to invest in commercial buildings to make money to fund local services, build more affordable homes and investing in building homes for private rent and sale to generate income.

The final approval will be considered by full council at its meeting on 8 February.