Browsing: Council News & Politics

Southend-on-Sea City Council is launching Our Day, a 24-hour campaign shining a light on the frontline workers who keep the city running every hour of every day, showcasing their dedication, personal stories and the essential services they provide across Southend.

Parking charges in Southend are set to be frozen for another year under new budget proposals, alongside a move to bring parking enforcement under council-owned control from February 2026.

Full Council has voted unanimously that local elections will take place as planned in May 2026, following a motion agreed at an Extraordinary Council Meeting held on 12 January.

Southend-on-Sea City Council is starting 2026 with plans to make healthy living easier and more affordable, including £1 million investment in play areas, action on junk food near schools and new free or low-cost wellbeing ideas for residents.

Political Group Leaders at Southend-on-Sea City Council have jointly responded to the government’s Local Government Reorganisation consultation, reaffirming cross-party support for a five-unitary authority model for Greater Essex.

As well as looking ahead towards City Day on 7 March, the start of a new year is also an opportunity for looking afresh and making New Year’s resolutions.

Southend-on-Sea City Council is making Christmas tree recycling easier than ever this festive season, with a new free bookable collection service and seven temporary drop-off points across the city, alongside changes to bin collections and garden waste services.

Southend has launched a new Culture Small Grants Scheme offering £250–£1,500 to support creative, cultural and community-led activities. Applications are open until 31 January 2026 for residents and local groups with projects taking place in Southend-on-Sea.

Southend-on-Sea is set to receive £8.5 million in bus funding over the next three years, supporting improved reliability, new routes, extended late-night services and better connections across the city.

Mayoral elections planned for 2026 have been pushed back to 2028, though Southend and wider Essex are still expected to receive early devolution of funding and powers before the mayoral model is introduced.