Brace for Change: Southend Tax Hike to Boost Local Services

Southend-on-Sea City Council is set to increase council tax by 4.99% in April, a move expected to add approximately £200 million to the local authority’s annual budget. Labour leader Daniel Cowan emphasized that the increase aims to ensure residents notice the benefit of their taxes. While tax rates rise, car parking fees will remain frozen, and charges for garden waste collection will reduce by £3.50. However, overall council fees and charges are projected to increase by 2.5%.

Cowan was keen to address complaints about rising taxes amid reducing services, stating that previous administrations had significantly weakened local services. The 4.99% rise is the maximum allowed under government regulations for local authorities handling social care. Despite the increase, the council is not dipping into its reserves for the 2026-27 budget, although the council might need to rely on savings to address a £6.3 million overspend in social care this year.

Social care continues to be the largest financial pressure point for the council, with a staggering 24% rise in education, health, and care plans for children with special educational needs and disabilities issued over the past year, leading budget officials to label the situation as financially unsustainable. Under the current administration, which operates with the support of Liberal Democrats and independents, a commitment to improve roads and pavements with at least £10 million is in place for the second consecutive year.

Additionally, new charges for bulky waste collection have been announced: £15 for one item, £40 for three items, and £60 for five items. Cowan pointed to improvements in services since taking control from the Conservative opposition, including better street cleaning and maintaining library hours six days a week. The proposed changes will be discussed and voted on by all councillors in February.