Browsing: Council News & Politics

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.

Southend-on-Sea residents are being reminded that the city’s new waste and recycling service begins the week of 27 October 2025. The rollout includes new wheelie bins, alternate weekly collections, and a dedicated app to keep households informed.

Shoeburyness is set to receive up to £20 million through the Government’s Pride in Place Programme. A new Neighbourhood Board will lead a 10-year vision for the area, with £1.5 million earmarked for community-led projects in the first two years.

Southend-on-Sea has launched the UK’s first high street sensory pod at The Victoria Centre — a calming space designed to reduce stress and support inclusivity for all ages.

Southend Libraries has been awarded Arts Council England National Lottery funding to expand its popular Storysacks programme, helping local families make reading fun, hands-on, and accessible through creative kits and free storytelling workshops.

Southend-on-Sea City Council has stopped £294,000 worth of fraudulent school applications after uncovering false addresses in a crackdown led by the Counter Fraud and School Admissions Teams.