COUNCIL tax in Essex is set to rise to help fill the social care funding gap.

Essex County Council is expected to impose a three per cent levy to raise £17 million extra in 2017/18 and will probably do the same the following year.

The budget still has to be ratified by the council’s Cabinet and full council but both are expected to happen.

The rise will add about £35 next year to the average council tax bill in additions to the levies set by borough, district and parish councils as well as the police and fire authorities.

John Spence, Cabinet member for finance at County Hall, said: “Any council tax rise, however small, cannot be taken lightly.

“However, as we continue to face a growing pressure in social care, we have little option but to use the levy to the extent we are allowed.

“We have been clear with Government this is not a long term solution but we need to ensure our older and vulnerable residents receive the care they deserve.”

The council plans to spend a total of £524 million on social care and about £263 million on capital spending including in roads and schools.

Mr Spence added: “In setting our budget, we have looked to tackle the areas that matter to people - protecting our vulnerable residents, looking after and improving our roads and investing in schools and education.”

“Despite the pressures on us, this year we are spending more on each of these areas than ever before - investing in our highways and transport services, developing independent living schemes, creating a further 2,500 new school places, and a new Special Education Needs network, supporting special education needs across the county.”

The budget plans will be discussed at a meeting of the Council’s Cabinet on 24 January before going to Full Council on 14 February.

The council claims to have cut spending by £597 million in seven years and plans to cut another £106 million in 2017/18 to cope with the reduction in Government grants.