Between April 2025 and March 2026, we spent around £120 million delivering services (including Housing Benefit payments). Council Tax only funds 11% of our costs.
Service costs (2025/26)
- Council support services – £68.9 million
Includes £37.5 million for Housing Benefit payments (paid directly to residents) and the costs of running the council (HR, finance, IT, governance and emergency planning). - City services – £16.4 million
Recycling and rubbish collections, parks, community safety, licensing, food safety, street cleaning and Colchester Market. - Experience Colchester – £10.6 million
Promoting tourism, running museums and leisure activities, and managing car parks and residential parking to support the local economy. - Housing and wellbeing support – £10.9 million
Supporting vulnerable residents, promoting healthier living, supporting renters, adapting homes and preventing homelessness. - Supporting local growth – £6.9 million
Supporting businesses, sustainable travel and action, and homes for those in need through planning policies and decisions. - Assets and buildings – £6.3 million
Looking after council buildings and assets.