LEADERS at Tendring Council have said their budget proposals will not change before the election.

Speaking at a cabinet meeting last week finance boss Peter Halliday said that aside from technical changes the planned cuts and fee rises set out in their financial report would stay the same.

Councillors are set to vote on the plans at a meeting on February 8.

Mr Halliday said: “I think it’s a clear message now that these are our budget proposals, and there will be a chance for people to question us on these before the council meeting.

“We are honest and up front about our proposals. This is our vision for Tendring and a balanced budget.”

Council leader Neil Stock said: “We have got to slash £4.3 million in four years which is a phenomenal undertaking, and we have people with a lot of service on notice for possible redundancy.

“Any politician that tells you they can run this council without making cuts is lying.”