Angry Rochford district councillors have dismissed a Government report which branded their council as "weak".
The council's comprehensive performance assessment acknowledged Rochford District Council provided good quality services and public satisfaction was high in comparison with many other councils.
However, it still maintained the council was weak overall, mainly because of criticisms over recycling and planning.
Terry Cutmore, the council's Tory leader, said: "We are extremely surprised, upset and annoyed in equal measure by our assessment rating.
"We estimate we have spent £150,000, about £5 per home on council tax on the compulsory inspection process so far, and I believe it is impossible to achieve anything like that by way of return."
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