Advantage Card Scheme

How do I apply for an Advantage Card?

1. Completed signed application form (young people under the age of 17 will need the signature of their parent or guardian. Family Cards should have one application per member covered.
2. Payment by debit/credit card, cheque or postal order (made payable to Southend Borough Council.
3. Proof of residential status (i.e. Recent proof of address within Southend Borough area). We accept any of the following: Driving Licence; Rent Book; Medical Card; Council Tax Bill or Book; Gas/Electric/Phone Bill; Bank Statement; PO Saving Book; Membership Card; Child Benefit Book; Benefit Order Book/Giro; Typed letter from official body.
4. Passport-size and quality photograph: alternatively your picture can be taken at the Civic Centre (you will need to make an appointment for this service).
5. Proof of Age. We accept: Driving Licence; Passport; Birth Certificate.
6. Recent proof of receipt of: Jobseekers Allowance (ES40); Housing Benefit; Working Tax Credit; Income Support; Council Tax Benefit; Severe Disablement Allowance; Disability Working/Living Allowance; Invalid Care Allowance; Guarantee Credit. We also accept correspondence from Social Services if your children are looked after by Southend Borough Council by fostering or in children's homes.
7. Proof of Student status (over 16 in full-time education) such as a Student Union Card or letter from Tutor.
   

Conditions of Use

The Card must be produced on every occasion to obtain reduced charged.
The Card is non-transferable and remains the property of Southend Borough Council. It may only be used by the person who has been issued with the Advantage Card.
Cards must be renewed every twelve months and may not be used after the expiry date.
Only residents living within the Borough of Southend i.e. residencies which appear on the Southend Borough Council Tax Register, may purchase the Advantage Card (for children in care apply via Social Services).
All fees and charges will be determined by Southend Borough Council, who reserve the right to amend charges and conditions of use without prior notice.
The giving of incorrect information with the intent of defrauding the Council, improper use or unacceptable behaviour, will result in forfeiture and any other appropriate action considered necessary.
Damaged or defaced Cards shall not be used, and Card holders may be requested to purchase a replacement Card. A charge of £1 for all replacement Cards will be made.
If Card holders participate with non-Card holders the standard rate will apply except where individual pricing is in place.
The administration of this scheme is computerised and, therefore, registered with the Data Protection Register in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1984, revision 1998.

So now what?

Download and print off the application form (from the 'Related Downloads' section on the right-hand side of this page) and together with copies of your proof of identity/benefit etc. either post them or take them in person to:

Remember, each person who wishes to have an Advantage Card must have a form filled in for them, even if you are applying for a Family Card, e.g. 2 adults and 5 children equals 7 forms.

Cheques and postal orders should be made payable to Southend Borough Council.

Please Note:

All applications by post must have a passport-size and quality photograph attached.

Applications in person will have a digital picture taken at the time of issue at their appointment.