Browsing: Council News & Politics

Major Better Queensway infrastructure works are now underway in Southend, including new underground attenuation tanks able to hold up to 750,000 litres of water to help protect seafront businesses from flooding while supporting future regeneration.

New analysis published by Climate Emergency UK shows that English councils with higher spending power tend to perform better on climate action, while stronger public support has an even greater impact on success.

Southend-on-Sea has retained its Purple Flag status for 2026, recognising the city as a safe, welcoming and well-managed evening and night-time destination for residents and visitors alike.

The Green Party in Southend is calling for urgent action over failing local bus services, saying unreliable, expensive, and overcrowded buses are making it harder for residents—and especially students—to get around the city.

The South East Essex Green Party is demanding urgent action to complete a long-promised 20mph zone around Glendale Gardens in Leigh, after signage failures have left the scheme unenforceable despite physical works being finished.

Southend-on-Sea City Council is supporting Essex Police following an armed robbery at a jewellery shop in Western Road, just off the High Street, that took place on Monday, 16 February 2026. The incident involved offenders using weapons, including a machete and axes, before fleeing the scene.

Southend Greens have renewed their call to protect the city’s Green Belt following proposals for thousands of new homes on land at Hadleigh Farm and north of Bournes Green, warning that once this land is lost, it is lost forever.

Residents are being invited to help shape the future of Shoeburyness as up to £20 million in Pride in Place funding is set to be invested over the next decade. Applications are now open for an Independent Chair and Board Members to join the Pride in Shoeburyness Neighbourhood Board.

Southend-on-Sea City Council has officially opened three new Autism Resource Bases across the city, providing specialist support within mainstream schools. The purpose-built facilities form part of a wider SEND strategy to expand local provision and help children access the right support close to home.

Southend-on-Sea City Council has published its final budget proposals for 2026/27, outlining investment in roads, housing, open spaces and frontline services while freezing parking charges and reducing several resident fees. With over £5m additional funding for children’s social care and continued investment in infrastructure and regeneration, the budget aims to protect vulnerable residents and strengthen civic pride across the city.