Businesses across Essex are being invited to help shape the future of local services as Essex County Council launches its 2027/28 budget consultation.
The consultation gives employers, business owners and organisations the opportunity to have their say on the council’s spending priorities to help shape where resources should be focused in the years ahead.
Essex County Council is encouraging businesses to share their views on the services, infrastructure and support that matter most to them and their organisations, helping ensure future investment delivers the greatest benefit for local communities and the county’s economy.
The council is facing a projected funding gap of around £170 million next year, with demand for services and operating costs continuing to rise. Feedback from businesses, residents, community groups and partners will play an important role in informing future decisions.
Councillor Peter Harris, Leader of Essex County Council, said: “Our business community is central to our success and future growth. Essex is home to thousands of innovative businesses that create jobs, drive investment and play a vital role in our communities. We want to hear directly from them about the priorities they believe will help Essex continue to thrive.
“Businesses understand the need to balance budgets, manage costs and make every pound count. The choices we make today will shape the future of our county for years to come. That’s why it’s so important that businesses have a voice in the conversation and help us understand where investment and resources can make the greatest difference.
“This isn’t the council’s money, it’s taxpayers’ money. We have a responsibility to spend it wisely, deliver value and focus on what matters most to the people and businesses we serve.”
Alongside the consultation, the council is undertaking a fundamental review of how it operates, how resources are used and where spending can have the greatest impact for residents, communities and businesses.
Feedback from the consultation will help inform the council’s 2027/28 budget proposals, which will be considered by Cabinet on 15 January 2027.
The consultation is open until 6 December.
Businesses and residents can take part by visiting https://consultations.essex.gov.uk/rci/ecc-budget-consultation-2027-28/
