At a Glance
- Residents say they are unhappy with the council’s performance and feel shut out of key decisions.
- Concerns have been raised about digital exclusion and limited ways for residents to contact councillors.
- Green Party candidates say they want more transparency, accountability, and resident-focused decision making.
- Green councillors say they are free from a party whip and can put residents’ interests first.
Residents across Southend consistently tell us they rate the council’s performance as poor. Many feel excluded from decisions that affect their daily lives and are frustrated by limited opportunities to question or engage with the council directly.
Digital exclusion is also a growing concern. Many residents cannot access information or complete online forms and consultations, leaving them disconnected from important democratic processes. As Tricia Cowdrey, Green Party candidate for Shoeburyness, explains:
“Southend council has changed its constitution so that residents have fewer opportunities to become directly involved in democracy. There has also been a failure to account for the many residents who may not have the equipment or skills to receive information or complete online consultations. We have also found that some councillors do not provide a phone number or email address for residents to contact them.”
Green Party councillors in Southend offer an alternative voice—challenging the status quo that has persisted for many years. Instead of the same tired arguments and blame shifting, they are pushing for accountable, resident focused decision making across both major infrastructure projects and everyday service delivery.
Kay Mitchell, Green Party candidate for Chalkwell, says:
“Residents in Chalkwell are telling me their voice is not being heard and that decisions are being implemented before they even know about any proposal. People tell me they want more councillors who listen, who communicate, and who represent them honestly.”
What is needed is clear: To have services brought back in house with greater transparency, and a council that is responsive, trustworthy, and free from political point scoring. Unlike other parties, Green councillors are not subject to a party whip—meaning they always put residents’ needs ahead of political interests.
Green councillors and candidates are committed to restoring trust and strengthening democracy in Southend, they are free to vote with residents because no party whip can force them to support decisions that are not in the community’s best interest.