Burial charges are set to be frozen across Basildon in a move to help those struggling financially.

Basildon Council will freeze the charges of £6,000, after an increase of two per cent last year, despite the worsening Covid pandemic.

Tory bosses will now freeze the costs, which include burials, maintenance work, memorialisation fees.

The council will also freeze the £2,000 costs for sports facilities at parks, which includes changing room fees and the organisation of events.

This comes after Basildon Tories announced a £100million spending plan to transform the town's estates, as well as building 200 new homes.

Pitsea councillor Craig Rimmer, the chair of the Leisure and Environment committee, said: "It comes as a whole package.

"It's about putting people first, and helping them where it matters, and that's in their back pockets.

"Everyone has struggled the last year financially, and we hope this will help.

"The pandemic has emphasised where residents are living pay packet to pay packet.

"If the time comes to bury someone, this will help."

The charges will be frozen for this financial year.

The Tories are also aiming to reduce council tax from next year.

Free parking for NHS staff in council owned car parks will also be extended until the end of June.

The Government will end the free parking pass across the country on June 21, but Basildon Council will allow staff to park for free beyond the date.

Rochford Council followed suit earlier this week.

Free parking in council owned car parks will be kept under review.

Mr Rimmer added: "The costs were increased in the previous administration.

"It's all about recognising and understanding what people have gone through the past year and the struggles they've faced.

"It's been a tough time.

"For the frontline staff, whatever we do won't be enough to repay what they've done for us.

"We'll see what we can do with council tax. It's our aim to reduce it from the next municipal year in April but we will have to see."

The plan to freeze the burial and sports in parks charges is set to be approved at a council meeting this week.