Council taxpayers will have to help pay a £1million pounds a year towards the pensions of Basildon Council staff, it has been revealed.

The pension fund, which is operated by Essex County Council, is experiencing a shortfall and all authorities included in the scheme will have to pay extra contributions.

Some authorities are delaying payments but Basildon Council has decided to start paying as soon as possible.

If the full amount was paid by council tax, it would increase bills by eight per cent.

However, some will be met by Government grants and savings within the council.

Tory cabinet member Phil Turner said: "Somewhere along the line council taxpayers will have to pay for it."

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