Southend-on-Sea City Council14 Jan 2026Thurrock to request elections are droppedThe Labour-run council will ask government to cancel this year's elections so it can focus on LGR.14 Jan 202613 Jan 2026'Southend will be having elections in May'All councillors back this May's elections going ahead despite suggestions they should be cancelled.13 Jan 20269 Jan 2026Southend tax rise will fund services, says councilThe Labour leader says he wants people to "feel the benefit" of increased spending on services.9 Jan 202623 Dec 2025Southend council elections to go ahead in 2026Its leader says that, despite speculation, the council always planned to hold elections next year.23 Dec 202516 Dec 2025Striking poppy display raises £20,000 for charityA city council is now exploring how it can preserve the 110,000 crocheted poppies it received.16 Dec 202515 Dec 2025Leaseholder may sell iconic Kursaal, says councilProperty group AEW holds a 250-year lease on the iconic venue in Southend-on-Sea.15 Dec 20255 Dec 2025'Hallelujah': Residents rejoice as work to clear bad smell startsDescribing the odour on a hot day, one dog walker says, "Imagine a cesspit".5 Dec 202518 Nov 2025Big increase in disabled parking space finesSouthend Council says there has been a 21% rise in the number of tickets over the past five years.18 Nov 202526 Oct 2025Car parking charges using motorists as a 'cash cow'As councils' parking fees are criticised, they respond by saying it goes on road safety and public transport.26 Oct 2025...