Reduced Services
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
In line with social distancing advice and to protect residents and staff the Council has taken the decision to close the Council offices to the public until further notice.
Whilst the offices are closed to visitors, you are still able to access services and information from this website 24/7.
Information and advice on coronavirus (COVID-19) and how to access Council Services during this period can be found on our Coronavirus information page
You are invited to view and contribute to the The Mayor's Covid Record of Reflection
TIER 4 Message from the Mayor Colin Riley and Leader Norman Smith
Council Tax Message
Have Your Say on Changes to the 2018-19 Local Council Tax Support Scheme for working age residents on benefits or low income.
Welfare and Debt - Information and Advice
There is information and advice available from the Council and other organisations during this difficult time. Therefore, this page has been designed to provide a focal point to links to specific information relating to the current economic downturn and will hopefully prove helpful to you, your family and businesses. Just click on your chosen subject matter.
Advice and Support
Please see the advice and support timetable Advice & Support Timetable[pdf] 311KB showing what is available across the borough for free.
Benefits and financial support
Businesses
Debt Advice and Support
- Budgeting calculator
- Budgeting Loans
- CAB
- Loan sharks
- Money Advice Service
- Money Saving Expert (Martin Lewis)
- National Debt line
- Online Income/Expenditure Form
- PayPlan
- Step Change Payday Loans Advice
Employment issues
Energy Efficiencies (saving you money)
Housing Options
- Advice on housing options available to you
- Repossession
- Shelter (The housing and homelessness charity)
Mental Health Support
- Child & Adolescent Mental Health Team
- Childline
- CRUSE Bereavement
- MIND
- Papyrus
- POhWER
- Rethink
- Samaritans
- The Ship Directory (Southend Info Point and Directory for Adults, Children & Families
Need help with your rent or council tax?
Other useful information for people who are;
Armed Forces
Disabled
- Blue badge scheme (parking concessions through Essex County Council)
- Bus passes (free if meeting eligible criteria)
- GOV.UK (general information)
- Shaw Trust (disabled and wanting to work)