Southend Council plans a 4.99% tax rise, focusing on social care and cost control while addressing a £6.3m budget shortfall
Council Budget Plans Announced
The plans include keeping all libraries and family centres open and freezing several charges to help residents manage costs.
While most fees and charges will increase by 2.5 percent, pay-and-display parking charges and pier admission fees will remain unchanged.
Garden waste collection fees will be reduced, and cremation fees will continue to be frozen or lowered.
Council Leader’s Statement
Council leader Daniel Cowan said the budget focuses on investment and value for money. He stated, “It’s always regrettable that council tax has to increase, but residents have felt for years that taxes have gone up while services haven’t kept pace. This is the second year in a row of investment in services, so people will see improvements.”
He added, “We’re helping with cost control by freezing parking and admission fees, reducing garden waste charges, and continuing work to keep cremation fees down. We know the cost-of-living crisis is hard, and we don’t want to unfairly penalise grieving families.”
Financial Pressures and Funding
Children’s social care remains the council’s biggest financial pressure and will receive the largest funding boost, with more than £5 million allocated to meet rising demand. Adult social care will also see a significant increase, funded partly through the ring-fenced adult social care precept.
The council expects new savings and income proposals to total £6.125 million. The latest predicted shortfall for the 2025/26 budget is £6.3 million.
The council hopes to clear much of this by the end of the financial year but acknowledges any remaining shortfall will have to come from reserves.
Reserves and Staffing Changes
Joe Chesterton, executive director of finance and resources, aims to keep reserves at £12 million in 2026/27, up from the current £11 million. To help balance the books, some vacant roles will be removed, and five full-time posts are at risk.
Mr. Cowan added, “This is an investment budget that protects vital services while recognising the financial challenges we face.”
Upcoming Budget Meetings
The draft budget will be considered by cabinet on Monday, January 19, by the policy and resources scrutiny committee on Thursday, January 29, and by the full council on Thursday, February 20.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Library and Family Centres | All to remain open |
| Fee Increases | Most by 2.5% |
| Parking Charges | No change |
| Garden Waste Fees | Reduced |
| Cremation Fees | Frozen or lowered |
| Children’s Social Care Funding | Over £5 million |
| Predicted Shortfall | £6.3 million |
| Reserves Goal | £12 million by 2026/27 |
