Local elections 2021: How do Essex councils spend your money?

Local elections will be held in Essex on Thursday 6 May.

People across Essex can cast their ballot in the county council elections, with several district and borough councils and two unitary authorities.

Local authorities are funded by a variety of sources, including council tax, government grants and other income, like parking charges.

Below is how a representative £100 of your money is spent by these councils.

It serves a population of almost 1.5 million people, but does not have responsibility for Thurrock or Southend.

It spends more than £2bn a year on things like education, road maintenance, social care and public libraries.

Full details of candidates for Essex County Council can be found on its website.

One of Essex's two unitary authorities, it is responsible for education, social care and libraries like the county council, but also things like bin collections, parks, and local planning applications.

It serves a population of about 183,000 and spends more than £140m a year.

Full details of candidates for Southend-on-Sea Borough Council can be found on its website.

Another Essex unitary authority, it serves a population of more than 170,000 and spends more than £111m.

Full details of candidates for Thurrock Council can be found on its website.

People in several districts and boroughs will be voting in the county council elections but will also elect councillors to their local council, which is responsible for things like bin collections, parks, public housing and local planning applications.

Basildon borough, which includes Billericay and Wickford, has a population of around 189,000 and its council has a budget of almost £30m.

Full details of candidates for Basildon Borough Council can be found on its website.

It serves a population of about 77,000 people with a budget of more than £9m.

Full details of candidates for Brentwood Borough Council can be found on its website.

It has a budget of about £12m to serve a population of more than 90,000 people, providing services such as bin collections, leisure centres and housing.

Full details of candidates for Castle Point Borough Council can be found on its website.

It provides services such as car parking, museums and planning for almost 200,000 residents with a budget of about £95m.

Full details of candidates for Colchester Borough Council can be found on its website.

It has a budget of about £70m for services like licensing, planning, and bin collections for more than 130,000 residents.

Full details of candidates for Epping Forest District Council can be found on its website.

It serves 87,000 residents with a budget of about £16m for services such as parks, housing and parking.

Full details of candidates for Harlow District Council can be found on its website.

It provides services including recycling, leisure, and fly-tipping clear-up for about 86,000 people with a £30m budget.

Full details of candidates for Rochford District Council can be found on its website.

Across Essex, voters will also be polled on their choice for the next police, fire, and crime commissioner. Click here to see the candidates.

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