Browsing: Council News & Politics

Local hairdresser and former Leigh Town Councillor Anita Forde has been selected as the Green Party candidate for Leigh ward ahead of May’s local elections, as the party looks to build on growing support and secure a third Green councillor for the area.

Southend-on-Sea City Council is set to upgrade council homes on the Balmoral estate by installing new ground source heat pump systems, helping to cut energy bills, reduce carbon emissions and provide more efficient heating for residents.

Uber has chosen to surrender its Private Hire Operator Licence in Southend just weeks after it was formally granted. Southend-on-Sea City Council says all operators must meet the same standards and safeguards, with further engagement planned as part of a wider taxi and private hire policy review.

Young artists from Southend secondary schools are invited to take part in a live portrait competition at The Royals Shopping Centre as part of City Day 2026, with £300 in prizes awarded per year group winner.

Residents, community groups and local businesses in Leigh, West Leigh, Belfairs and Eastwood Park can now apply for funding through the Big Sparks small grants scheme.

Cllr Kathy Murphy has endorsed Tilly Hogrebe as the Green Party candidate for St. Luke’s in May’s local elections, praising her commitment to the community and saying the ward will be in “very safe hands.” Tilly says she wants to give residents a strong voice and tackle the real causes of the cost of living crisis.

Southend Libraries is inviting young readers to take part in the Winter Mini Challenge 2026, a free online initiative encouraging children to read three books over the winter holidays and unlock digital rewards, certificates and prizes.

Southend-on-Sea City Council has agreed a new long-term highways maintenance partnership with Marlborough Highways, promising safer streets, better public spaces, and improved services for residents and visitors all year round.

Southend-on-Sea City Council is inviting residents to attend Holocaust Memorial Day 2026 events, including a civic service at the Civic Centre where Holocaust survivor’s daughter Marta Josephs will share her father’s story. The programme also includes exhibitions, a memorial tree planting and reflections marking the theme “Bridging Generations”.

A £90m, 10-year partnership between the Council and Anglian Water has been approved to tackle flooding and wastewater, delivering greener streets, fewer sewer overflows, and more biodiverse public spaces across Southend-on-Sea.