Southend city council has approved its budget for 2025/26, which is said to unlock crucial funding for frontline services, infrastructure improvements, and community-driven projects. The new investment will enhance civic pride, repair roads and pavements, and drive tourism, ensuring long-term benefits for residents and visitors alike.
The approved investment plan means council tax will increase by 4.99% (2.99% for general use and 2% for adult social care).
Significant investment in roads and pavements
The council has doubled its commitment to improving roads and pavements, a priority for local residents. An additional £2.5 million has been allocated for pavement resurfacing in 2025/26, adding to the £8.5 million already budgeted between April 2024 and March 2027. Similarly, road repairs will receive an extra £1.5 million in 2025/26, supplementing the £6.16 million previously committed.
Major investments in civic pride and tourism
The budget also reinforces the city’s Civic Pride Action Plan, with substantial funding directed towards community and tourism initiatives:
- £590,000 to design and build an inclusive playground at East Beach
- £175,000 to enhance city signage
- £130,000 for improvements to the Victoria Station-to-High Street approach
- £100,000 for a feasibility study on stabilizing the cliffs along Western Esplanade and developing a new Never Never Land attraction
- £500,000 to resurface and reline essential car parks
Preserving and enhancing key assets
Investment in the city’s assets remains a priority. Southend Pier, an iconic landmark, will benefit from £3.75 million in planned refurbishment and maintenance between April 2027 and March 2030, pending a viable business case. The council has also earmarked £1.5 million for coastal defense improvements and £4.5 million for council building refurbishments and fire safety enhancements.
Supporting housing and infrastructure development
The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) will receive £11.9 million to maintain council housing to the Decent Homes Standard. This will include improvements to common areas and enhanced environmental health and safety measures. Additionally, the Better Queensway project will move forward with £19.9 million in funding, with £14.5 million coming from the government.
Leadership comments on the budget
Council Leader Cllr Daniel Cowan emphasized the importance of investing in vital projects:
“Fixing and resurfacing roads and pavements is a major priority for residents, and I am pleased we have doubled the funding for this. The Better Queensway project will transform the area and the lives of those who live there. We are getting on with it, and that is what we are doing.”
He also highlighted the council’s commitment to civic pride:
“We recently launched our Civic Pride Action Plan, and these budget proposals reflect our ambition. I am particularly proud to see over half a million pounds budgeted for an inclusive playground at East Beach.”
Cllr Paul Collins, cabinet member for finance, assets, and investments, added:
“Although our capital programme has been adjusted in recent years to ensure deliverability, we remain committed to ambitious projects. This draft capital programme will bring multiple benefits to our residents over the next five years.”
A budget for the future
Addressing the Full Council meeting on Thursday, February 20, Cllr Daniel Cowan stated:
“This is a budget that invests in our services, our staff, our residents, and our city. It is a balanced, robust plan that addresses historic deficits while setting realistic income projections. We have achieved this without new borrowing or dipping into reserves, thanks to prudent financial management and increased government funding.”
The council aims to shape a cleaner, greener, safer city with better roads, strong community support, and a thriving economy. The budget is designed to position the city for long-term investment and regeneration, in line with the opportunities presented by devolution and local government reorganization.