RESIDENTS have been warned to expect years of council tax rises with costs rising and Government grants falling.

The average home in the Southend borough will receive a council tax bill up more than £80 on this year.

Residents will need to find an extra £58 to pay for Southend Council, £24 extra for police and fire services and more for ambulances.

Leigh Town Council wants an extra 81p, raising the cost to £47.70 for a Band D home.

However a fresh council report claims those hoping business rates or council tax could go down or frozen face disappointment due to “unprecedented financial challenges” and “the 2020 cliff-edge” which will see a number of major Government grants abolished.

With less grants will come more taxes.

In Rochford, residents are facing a rise to cover a £300,000 funding gap.

Rochford District Council has agreed its budget for 2019/2020, which it says aims to deliver high quality services and value for money for residents.

The council hopes to make more money through animal licensing and also weddings at the Old House in Rochford.

The 2.98 per cent rise in council tax, which goes to Rochford Council, will see it increase from £223.65 in 2018/2019 to £230.31 in 2019/2020 for the average band D property, around 13p per week.

Council leader Terry Cutmore said: “We have a long history at Rochford Council of being prudent with tax payers’ money, and have no current borrowing at all. This common sense approach continues with the setting of the budget for the 2019/2020 financial year.

“At the same time, we are always horizon-scanning, looking for new opportunities for economic growth that will benefit local residents and businesses alike, as well as supporting the finances of the council.

Simon Smith, councillor for finance said: “We have had to introduce a small increase to our element of the council tax this year however we do seek to keep costs as low as possible for residents while also providing the best service we possibly can.” Support grants for parishes will be cut in half.