The leader said his council has shown "courage and vision" as its annual budget was approved.

Maldon District Council approved its annual budget, which has seen council tax rise by £4.43 per year, per household.

Adrian Fluker, leader of the council commended this year's budget, which intends to help plug a gap of around £1.5million.

Mr Fluker said: "Full council transformation has been designed to deliver savings in excess of £1.5m per year, and will improve technology and self-service for customers.

"I want to take this opportunity to assure residents that the first-class front-line services that we currently deliver will be maintained.

"As a result of its prudence and policies, the conservative administration has been able to take the decision not to increase our proportion of council tax by the maximum allowed by government –

"The conservative administration has made this decision to protect and support our residents who are already facing significant increases in Council Tax from other preceptors including Essex county council and the police, fire and crime commissioner’s office.

"I am pleased to report that through the courage and vision of the conservative administration - the financial future of Maldon District Council will be assured."

Mr Fluker added the council has only increased its fees and charges where it has been "absolutely necessary to do so."

The council did not take the decision to increase its council tax precept by the full three per cent allowed by county hall.

Emma Foy, director or resources at Maldon District Council had told the Standard the crime commissioner and Essex County Council were still going to see residents' bills rise.

However, as a result of the council's 'minor' rise, it has been able to maintain the Smoke and Fire Festival in Promenade Park as well as the car show and mud race.

Since 2015 the council’s central government support has de-appreciated, losing around £1.3m, as well as more than £3million that was lost a decade ago.

While establishing its budget, the council has also been creating its new "future model", which will see the council use the web more to work with its community.

Mr Fluker added: "This budget has been compiled by officers and reflects the policies of the conservative administration - taking into account future risks it is founded on a zero-based approach and is aligned to our new operating model, which has been developed as part of the administration’s unwavering commitment to full council transformation."