COUNCIL tax is set to rise again in the Maldon district.

Essex County Council and Essex Police have already announced planned increases and now Maldon District Council is considering increasing its share also.

Due to a combination of cuts in Government grants and increased costs the council needs to find about £1.7million in savings by 2020/21.

A council tax rise of 2.99 per cent - about £5.60 per year for a band D property - would help reduce this to below £1.5million.

Emma Foy, director of resources at the council, said: “Maldon District Council continues to face uncertain and challenging times, but remains focused on maintaining services for the people of Maldon district.

“Careful planning has placed the council in a sound financial position, however tough choices may still need to be made as the future of local government funding changes.”

Members will be presented with two options at a meeting next week, one to freeze and one to increase council tax.

Members will also be asked to consider a two per cent pay rise for council workers.

The council’s budget includes details of day-to-day spending and projects.

Among these is a proposal to upgrade car parking payment machines to 4G and contactless devices.

Parking charges will not be increasing.

Plans have also been proposed for a new two day music, business or food event for Promenade Park, following the success of last year’s Smoke and Fire Festival.

If approved, the new event would take place the weekend before or after the Smoke and Fire Festival in August, as a means of using Promenade Park as a prime location.