Essex County Council plans to freeze its share of council tax in the new financial year while making £55m cuts - but Brentwood residents are likely to see their bills go up as the police will be increasing their share of the rate.

Police and crime commissioner Nick Alston said: “There must be a risk that continued cuts in the number of police officers will make Essex more vulnerable to crime.

“Therefore, I have decided to ask for a 3.5pc increase in the portion of council tax used to fund policing and community safety in Essex, which amounts to an extra £4.77 per year for a Band D council tax payer.”

Meanwhile Essex County Council says as well as the freeze, it will also be investing in schemes such as £18m for school places, £65m on roads and £7.7m to improve broadband connectivity.

Brentwood Borough Council will be debating its tax plans for the new financial year on February 12.