A CONSULTATION has been opened to give Maldon district residents and businesses a say on the district council's financial plans for the coming years.

Maldon District Council is appealing for views on its financial plans for 2022/23 including a proposed increase in council tax.

The budget engagement survey is now open for residents and businesses to have their say.

The questionnaire will ask for views on a proposed £5 a year increase in council tax.

This equates to an extra 10p per week and would be used to help the council maintain services in the future.

It takes into consideration the challenges with rising prices and reduction in the council's funding.

Questions included also cover topics such as the council's priorities, ideas for saving money and generating income, cost effective payment methods, and possible changes to council tax support.

A spokesman said: "There are reductions projected in our funding in the future and costs continue to rise, so it is important that the council’s limited resources are used effectively."

The survey is open until September 10 this year.

Council leader Wendy Stamp said: “It is key that the Council makes its financial plans while understanding the views of residents and businesses.

"We are therefore appealing for as many people as possible to complete the current survey.

“For every £1 that we collect in Council tax, we keep just 11p, with the rest collected on behalf of other organisations.

"We always make sure the money we receive is used in the best way possible and part of that is understanding what our residents and businesses think of our plans.

"We are therefore appealing for residents and businesses to take a few moments to give us their views on our financial plan."

Have your say by going to www.maldon.gov.uk/budgetsurvey