Cstle Point Council today announced budget savings of more than £450,000.

It is claimed the substantial save is thanks to "increased efficiency" within the local authority.

The council recently revealed its accounts and £460,899 remains from last year's budget, leaving it claiming cost-cutting measures have worked.

Council bosses say this has partially been achieved by the introduction of a new telephone system, saving £10,022 a year by using new technology to call other councils for free.

The council signing up to a new mobile phone contract which has reduced the annual phone bill from £49,100 to £38,700.

David Marchant, chief executive at Castle Point Council, said: "We have done an excellent job.

"Everybody is bringing down the costs and we are trying to operate as lean and efficient a machine as we possibly can."

Tory council leader Pam Challis said: "The external auditors have given credit to our officers for the way in which our accounts are managed and word was that we are at the leading edge of managing our accounts and we involve ourselves in training officers from other authorities."

Yet Dave Blackwell, leader of the Canvey Independent Party, disputed the council's claim that the savings were down to increased efficiency.

He said: "They have cut costs by getting rid of virtually all the leisure staff, but I do not know where they have come up with the increased efficiency part.

"They are trying to say that they have done a good, efficient job, but they have just cut services.

"When you start selling all of your halls and cutting down on staff you will save money."

The accounts are due to be discussed at a special meeting for the council which is planned for June 27 at 7.30pm.