As we already know the revenue from central government is down, and the council has to save over £11 million, but having taken some difficult decisions your Conservative Administration are proposing:

Council tax frozen.
Car parking charges frozen
No leisure centres, arts or cultural facilities to be closed.
Money for a well needed extra primary school and money to support our existing primaries under the pressure of higher pupil numbers.
Money to keep the pier going – to bring in tourists to Southend
Money to shore-up the cliffs by the sea-shore (sorry!) where a museum will eventually go to house the Saxon King artefacs found by Prittlewell Park.

Yes there are cuts, yes they aren’t nice, but who wants to make them? No-one. Who is prepared to take the difficult decisions, be sensible, not borrow to fund day-to-day expenditure? Your Conservative Administration.

We must live within our means, otherwise we will be mortgaging our children’s future.

After this budget the council will still be able to ensure that:

Children are protected from risk and harm
Families are supported in caring for children with disabilities or in need
Schools are doing the very best they can for our children’s education
We have enough places for all Southend children to start school and school admissions are fair
Children with special educational needs or requiring alternative education get the right service
Children are prevented from offending and we combat anti-social behaviour
There is local youth centre provision for our children to attend
There is a vibrant and active voluntary sector working to a shared vision for children with all agencies across Southend
Young people find employment, education or training
Every family has access to a children’s centre and those most in need are supported through them
The children we look after thrive in our care and we can find them permanent families for life
Families and children in need get early help to prevent problems getting worse
Adults continue to have opportunities to learn throughout their lifetime.