Southend to ditch bid to become UK City of Culture 2029
Councillors say they don't think it would be right to apply for the status amid a cost of living crisis
Councillors in Southend have voted scrap a bid to be named the UK's City of Culture in 2029.
The late Southend West MP Sir David Amess had backed a plan to go for the official designation, which would see a year's worth of cultural events being held across the area.
Derry-Londonderry was named the first UK City of Culture in 2013, with Hull and Coventry following in 2017 and 2021.
Bradford in West Yorkshire will be the next city to hold the status in 2025.
Local authorities have been weighing up whether to bid for City of Culture in 2029, although councillors in Southend have now ruled out applying for the status.
A council report says: "as a fledgling City, which alongside our residents and businesses, is faced with the cost of living crisis, inflation and significant pressures in adult and children’s social care, it is considered inappropriate to incur any expenditure in relation to a bid."
"Since the summer, the financial situation and cost-of-living crisis has worsened nationally and for local authorities, residents, and businesses alike due to rising energy costs, inflation, interest rates and demand for services.
"In-year budget monitoring currently forecasts a budget overspend of £12.1m for 2023/24, and a structural budget gap which is rising over the medium term due to all of these factors and requires prudent and effective fiscal management, decisions and planning.
"The council has introduced a recruitment freeze and multiple savings initiatives to manage the current situation."
Another group or organisation could still take the lead on a City of Culture bid for 2029, although the council has all but ruled out providing financial backing.