Leigh-on-Sea Town Council - Council Tax

Leigh-on-Sea Town Council Precept 2026-27

Leigh-on- Sea Town Council takes extremely seriously and appreciates that households within our boundary pay an additional Council tax. This element is the only amount that is fully spent on Leigh-on-Sea for which the Town Council has full control. This year the Town Council invested in having a professional building survey conducted on the Community Centre after realising the building was in need of some much needed and long awaited TLC. The Town Council recognises how important the Community Centre is to the residents and investing in its structure and making it the best it can be for all our users is extremely important. It is a focal point and in some cases a lifeline for getting out and meeting others.

The Council had a long meeting looking at and considering how it can fund the works which were highlighted in the report. Thinking about how to ease the process and appreciating that works can be undertaken over a period of years rather than all in one go. However there are a few concerns that need a far more prompt response such as replacing the boiler. Therefore, the Council took the decision to raise the precept this year to help with the cost.

Throughout the year Councillors and staff have continued to provide an outstanding service for the residents; providing an increase in events, a fantastic Christmas Lights switch on evening and becoming far more inclusive with a standard that is second to none. The Town Council continues to improve what it offers to all residents of Leigh-on-Sea supporting the community, charities and all local businesses.

The precept for 2026/27 is £543,431.22 which equates to Band D council tax figure of £59.39, an increase of £6.14 per annum.

Leigh on Sea Town Council continues to provide services which include the following:

help support and provide information for our residents on a huge range of issues
maintain our role as statutory consultee on planning, highways and licensing
working with and supporting volunteers, community partners/groups and local businesses
events and activities throughout the year
fortnightly Over 60’s Lunch Club to combat isolation in our community
children’s’ holiday activities programmes run throughout the whole year
christmas lights display including the Library Gardens christmas tree
supporting the arts in Leigh with our Artist in Residents and our Art Walls
support for the Folk Festival, Leigh Art Trail, Old Leigh Regatta and the Shanty Festival
helping to protect the environment and heritage of Leigh
undertaking Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) projects for the benefit of Leigh and our residents
provision of a Special Constables programme for the Leigh Town Council area
providing and managing community facilities in particular the Community Centre, Skate Park, Strand Wharf, Bell Wharf Beach paddling pool, and 17 acres of allotment sites
community engagement with our residents using various methods - face to face, social media, websites
a monthly news update in the local press
representing our residents to other authorities
supporting a youth club
a community trips scheme supporting elderly residents and providing social contact
a local employer of staff to facilitate and manage all Council services including the Community Centre
continuing with repairs and improvements at the Community Centre
Grant Award Fund to support community groups, organisations and charities
summer hanging flower baskets
maintain the tidal paddling pools at Bell Wharf Beach and Gypsy Bridge

The Town Council is always looking at how it can support and help the community. Please don’t hesitate to contact the Council via email admin@leighonseatowncouncil.gov.uk or via phone 01702 716288 or by popping in to speak with us. The office staff and the Town Clerk are always very happy to help.

Leigh-on-Sea Town Council expenditure plans 2026–27

Expenditure

community and culture - £312,398
staffing - £250,770
finance and governance - £76,545
refurbishment - £62,500
Allotments - £19,460

Income

community and culture - £129,202
finance and governance - £29,040
allotments - £20,000