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Southend-on-Sea City Council has relaunched its No Use Empty – South East Essex scheme, offering interest-free loans of up to £250,000 to help owners and developers bring vacant commercial properties back into use across Southend, Castle Point and Rochford.

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.

NHS Essex has partnered with local charity Hamelin to launch a year-long pilot programme aimed at increasing annual health check uptake among people with learning disabilities. The initiative will provide personalised support, health action plans and improved access to services to help people stay healthier and achieve their aspirations.

NHS Essex is urging residents to use the most appropriate healthcare services during planned resident doctor strike action from 15 to 19 June 2026. While emergency care will continue to be available, some routine appointments may be postponed, and residents are encouraged to use NHS 111 and local pharmacies where appropriate.

Residents across Thorpe Bay, Bournes Green and the surrounding areas are being encouraged to attend a series of public outreach events to learn more about proposals that could see around 3,000 additional homes built on land within the Bournes Green area.

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.

A proposed expansion of more than 1,200 homes could increase Great Wakering’s population by around a third, placing significant pressure on local roads, healthcare, schools and public services. Simon Jones of Stop Overdevelopment in Wakering examines the concerns surrounding the Friends Farm and Tithe Park developments and argues that infrastructure, environmental protection and community needs must come before large-scale growth.