PLANS to spend a £4million windfall on projects to boost Tendring’s economy have been given the green light.

The regeneration, infrastructure and tourism plans will be funded as part of Tendring Council’s budget for 2017/8, which was rubber-stamped at a meeting of the full council at Clacton Town Hall on Tuesday.

The budget includes £4million from the New Homes Bonus handed to the council by the Government as part of its scheme to incentivise housing growth across the country.

The grant will be used to fund £2.25million plans for a new garden community in north Essex, £1million for public realm works in Dovercourt, £500,000 to build new homes in Jaywick and almost £600,000 towards a project aiming for full broadband coverage in the district.

A sum of £65,000 will also be spent on again hosting the Women’s Tour cycling race, which attracted worldwide TV audiences the last time it was held in the district.

Neil Stock, leader of the district council, said: “Broadband, garden communities, regeneration in Jaywick along with events like the Clacton Airshow and Women’s Tour cycle race all have one thing at their hearts – building our economy and therefore strengthening our local business and council tax base.

“This is a confident, constructive and optimistic budget despite the national backdrop of unprecedented cuts to local government.

“This council strives to be creative, innovative and positive no matter what and we will continue to deliver for our residents and improve and enhance this amazing district for the good of all.”

The budget also includes £20,000 to continue Clacton’s Sea and Beach festivals, £40,000 to refurbish toilets at Clacton’s Princes Theatre, £25,000 for a TV advertising campaign to publicise the district and £23,000 to support the Mental Health Hub.

The council will also be spending £1.16million on its office transformation plan and £70,000 on public toilets.

But Mr Stock warned more savings will need to be made following further Government cuts to the local council support grant.

The council has seen its annual budget slashed from almost £21million in 2012 to £13.6million for 2017/8.

Mr Stock added: “I really hope people understand the real financial challenge we face rather than think we are just going around suggesting reductions to services because we want to – identifying budget reductions is not an option or a choice that we have made but a financial necessity.

“I totally understand people’s frustration, but this has to be aimed at the Government and not this council.”

As part of the budget, councillors approved a 3.3 per cent increase in its share of council tax for 2017/8, bringing a Band D house’s annual bill from the district council to £157.64 – an increase of £5. This is in addition to the levies set by Essex County Council and the police and fire authorities.

The council’s Labour group supported the budget and plans for economic growth, including the £1million plans for Dovercourt and homes for Jaywick, but lambasted the Conservative Government for making further funding cuts.

Ivan Henderson, Labour group leader, said: "We need to recognise the situation local government is in – it’s been put in an untenable position by this Government, who seem intent on destroying and draining local government finance dry.

“This is the calm before the storm – more drastic cuts are coming to the residents of Tendring.”

Ukip councillor Jeff Bray said he would not support the budget because he was “against Government cuts”.

The budget was approved by 45 votes to eight.