Browsing: Council News & Politics

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Southend-on-Sea City Council has successfully prosecuted a local man for blue badge fraud, reinforcing its commitment to tackling misuse of the system and protecting support for those who genuinely need it. Innocent Kadowonda, 40, of Gordon Road, Southend-on-Sea, pleaded guilty to unlawful use of a disabled person’s parking badge and theft after being caught using a badge issued to a local care organisation. He was fined and ordered to pay costs totalling £714.

The Leigh-on-Sea Business Expo 2025 was hailed a success, bringing together local entrepreneurs and business professionals to network, collaborate, and celebrate Southend’s thriving business community.

The Council is updating residents on the action taken at the Metrow Foods site following a fire, including serving an Abatement Notice and next steps to resolve environmental and public health concerns caused by the damaged warehouse.

Southend Green Party has unveiled its first eight candidates for the 2026 local elections, marking the beginning of its largest campaign to date. The announcement coincides with national membership surpassing 140,000, now higher than the Conservative Party.

Southend-on-Sea City Council’s new recycling and waste service launches next week in partnership with SUEZ. The initiative aims to make recycling simpler and streets cleaner, with around 60,000 homes switching to wheelie bins and some seeing collection day changes.

Southend City Council’s annual Toy Drive returns for its twelfth year, bringing festive joy to vulnerable children and young people. The scheme runs until 12 December and encourages donations of new toys, vouchers, and gifts to help make Christmas magical for families across the city.

Southend-on-Sea City Council has won four top honours at the 2025 Essex Housing Awards, including two Climate Action titles and recognition for outstanding individual talent.

Southend-on-Sea City Council has approved a major expansion of the Premier Inn on Eastern Esplanade, adding 49 new rooms, a refurbished restaurant and greener landscaping. The project supports local jobs, tourism and sustainable growth along Southend’s seafront.

Over 110,000 handmade poppies will transform Southend Pier into a stunning sea of red this November, as part of one of the UK’s largest community remembrance art displays.

Southend-on-Sea City Council is cutting seafront parking charges this winter to boost local businesses. From November to January, Zone 1A parking rates drop by 20%, with free Sunday parking in December and added incentives for shoppers and families visiting the seafront.