Labour councillors on Southend Borough Council have achieved success as three of their six budget amendments were passed by the Council last night (21st February). Proposals to build new health centres in Shoeburyness and the west of the borough; to expand the community safety team to provide support at weekends and evenings; to trial a residents’ permit scheme for council car parks; and to build a new multi-storey car park at Tylers Avenue were all passed with support across the chamber, after being proposed by the Labour Group.

Unfortunately, proposals to provide free swimming for pensioners; to improve the street lighting across the borough; to expand care home provision; and to introduce a selective licensing scheme for landlords, were all voted down.

Cllr Ian Gilbert, leader of the Labour Group, said, “This was a big win for Labour and for Southend residents, and it’s clear to us that the successful amendments we proposed have greatly improved an otherwise meagre budget that failed to address the town’s problems. We are pleased that Conservative councillors chose to listen to us.”

“We are, though, disappointed that on a number of key proposals, they did not listen. As a result, street lighting will remain unimproved, care need will go unmet, and rogue landlords will go undealt with.”

“The message here is one of what residents can get with a vote for Labour on 2nd May. A Labour-led council will be ambitious for the town, and will focus on the needs of the town, to build a safer, healthier, happier Southend for everyone who lives and works here.”

All six of Labour’s formally proposed amendments are available to view or download by clicking here.

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