Southend Budget 2026/27: Investing in People, Regenerating Our City

February 12, 2026

Southend-on-Sea City Council has published its final budget proposals for 2026/27, setting out a clear commitment to investing in people, protecting frontline services, and regenerating Southend and its assets.

The proposals have received extensive scrutiny through the Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee and will then be considered by Cabinet on Monday 16 February, prior to Full Council on Thursday 26 February.

The budget focuses on protecting vulnerable residents, maintaining essential services, and investing in highways, open spaces, infrastructure and civic pride across the city.

Cllr Daniel Cowan, Leader of Southend-on-Sea City Council, said: “I am proud to present a budget focused on civic pride, stability, and delivery. It reflects this administration’s clear commitment to building a city we can be proud of by protecting vital services, investing in Southend, and responding to the everyday priorities of our residents.

“We are taking practical decisions that help people day to day - freezing parking charges, cutting a fiver from garden waste collections, removing peak-time restrictions for disabled bus pass holders, and keeping costs down wherever we can. These choices sit alongside continued investment in the things residents tell us matter most.

“We are maintaining our record investment in fixing roads and pavements, improving parks and open spaces, and safeguarding libraries, family centres, and cultural assets. At the same time, we are investing in housing, regeneration, and frontline services so residents’ concerns are met now while planning responsibly for the long term.

“This budget reflects the priorities of this administration and our ongoing commitment to investing in services, strengthening civic pride, and building a city we can be proud of.”

Specific key budget proposals: