Cabinet has approved a new package of investment focused on delivering safer streets, cleaner neighbourhoods, improved green spaces and better support for residents across the city.
At a Special Cabinet meeting held last night (Cabinet, 10 April, item 3), Cabinet agreed to allocate an additional £310,000 to the 2025/26 budget, rising to £560,000 in 2026/27, to fund frontline services that residents have identified as top priorities.
A further £150,000 will also be invested in tree planting over the next two years as part of the Council's climate commitments.
The funding will support a range of service enhancements, including:
- five new community safety officers, increasing the team by 50 per cent to boost year-round presence and help tackle antisocial behaviour, and be a more visible presence to support our communities across the city
- grants for community-led initiatives that reduce antisocial behaviour, allocated via the Community Safety Partnership
- the 'Ask Angela' scheme added to licensing recommendations supporting safer nights out across local venues
- a property expert to review repairs needed at the Kursaal, to accelerate repairs and action under the current lease
- a street furniture and signage cleaning programme, to enhance Civic Pride
- grants for pensioner support groups, helping to reduce isolation and fund social activities
- three outdoor sports coordinators, prioritising roles for care leavers and apprentices to improve access to parks and leisure
- a pilot to enhance short breaks for children with SEND, making the offer clearer and easier to access
- a dedicated additional empty homes officer, to bring long-term vacant properties back into use
- a new vehicle limit on the Southend Pass, to ensure fairer and more efficient use
Cllr Paul Collins, Cabinet Member for Finance, Assets and Investments, said: "These investments focus on what matters most to our residents, safer streets, cleaner neighbourhoods, better support for those in need, and a greener, more vibrant city.
"We are committed to addressing long-term challenges, such as empty homes and key sites like the Kursaal, while continuing to invest in essential services."
Cllr Daniel Cowan, Leader of the Council, added: "This package enhances our wider plan to make Southend safer, cleaner and greener. It includes more community safety officers, enhanced street cleaning to boost Civic Pride, provides extra support for pensioners, provides grants to reduce antisocial behaviour, and increases investment to boost our already record tree planting, and improved access to outdoor sports.
"Our focus is on real improvements for residents, ensuring Southend is a better place to live, work and visit."
The additional funding will now be incorporated into the budget-setting process for 2026/27.