The district council has agreed to increase its council tax by 1.5 per cent, half of the predicted inflation rate for 2020/21.

A decision was made following the cabinet meeting held at Civic Offices in Epping on Monday, January 6.

Cabinet also confirmed the approach to cost and income inflation at 3 per cent, noting that rents would rise per the national formula at 2.7 per cent .

Car parking income is to remain the same, based on the pending outcome of the review.

Councillors also agreed to the overall funding adjustments for District Development Fund and savings and contingency were as set out.

This also included a net draw from of £1,774,906, a slight decrease from the £2 million forecast last year, which is expected to generate £500,000 worth of savings.

Leader of the council, Councillor Chris Whitbread said: “I think that is reasonable bearing in mind all that this council seeking to achieve is protecting frontline services, moving forward with Quails and you will hear later on this evening around the purchase of the Centric Parade as such

“The future looks bright we have sound finances and in years ahead will be returning to our Zero Council Tax Policy which is my ambition.”