Browsing: Council News & Politics

SUEZ UK has launched a new £12,000 Community Fund to support grassroots projects across Southend. Local groups, charities and community businesses can apply for grants of up to £3,000 to deliver initiatives that improve the environment, health and wellbeing within their communities.

Southend-on-Sea City Council has received national recognition after winning Communications Campaign of the Year at The MJ Awards for its Poppies on the Pier installation, which attracted more than 33,000 visitors, featured 110,000 handmade poppies from around the world, and raised over £19,500 for the Royal British Legion and the Poppy Appeal.

Southend-on-Sea City Council has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining accessible and high-quality library services across the city following a Cabinet meeting on 15 June, where members agreed the next steps for Southchurch Library.

Southend-on-Sea City Council has successfully prosecuted a landlord for renting out an unsafe property in breach of a Prohibition Order and without the required Selective Licence. The court imposed fines, costs and surcharges totalling more than £25,000, reinforcing the Council’s commitment to protecting tenants and raising housing standards across the city.

Southend-on-Sea City Council is launching the city’s first-ever Southend Business Show 2026 this September, bringing together businesses, residents and partners for a day of networking, workshops, exhibitions and growth opportunities. The event aims to celebrate Southend’s thriving business community while encouraging collaboration, skills development and local investment.

The lease for Southend’s historic Kursaal building has officially been assigned to new operators, paving the way for essential repairs, phased restoration works, and the long-awaited return of the iconic seafront landmark.

A Southend woman has been fined £795 after being prosecuted for unlawfully using a Blue Badge when the registered holder was not present. Southend-on-Sea City Council says it will continue taking a zero-tolerance approach to fraud and misuse of disabled parking permits.

Southend’s Green Party group has doubled in size following strong local election results, with the party confirming new committee appointments and pledging to remain independent while pushing for action on key local priorities.

Southend-on-Sea City Council has confirmed its new Joint Administration for 2026/27, with Labour continuing to lead alongside the Liberal Democrats and support from the Rochford and Southend East Independent Group. Councillor Daniel Cowan remains Leader as a refreshed Cabinet is unveiled.

Classic Cars on the Beach is returning to Southend seafront for summer 2026, bringing vintage vehicles, nostalgia and a regular monthly attraction to City Beach from May through to October.