VOLUNTEER police officers should be given a council tax exemption in a bid to encourage more people to give up their time to fight crime in Southend, Tories have claimed.

James Courtenay, the new leader of Southend Conservatives, is calling for the new exemption, or a rebate, for special constables who serve in the city.

The councillor highlighted a “rising need” for extra police resources in Southend in the wake of “isolated” incidents over the summer and believes relieving volunteers of paying council tax will boost numbers.

His idea, put forward as a motion, will be debated at the council’s budget meeting next week.

Mr Courtenay said: “Over many years, the Conservatives made proposals to support and recruit Special Constables to help support police in delivering resources when required to keep us safe. Southend, being a seaside town, has a rising need for resources. In the summer, it gets very busy. We’ve had some isolated incidents on the seafront and know what has happened nationally with disorder.

“The intention is to look to help Essex Police in recruiting Special Constables to support Southend. This will enable more police presence in Southend at the right time when we need them, offering reassurance to families and visitors and helping them feel safe.

“It is quite a commitment to be a Special Constable, so it would be nice to give something back and say thank you to those that do volunteer, and work within Southend. The council needs to commit to that, then work with Essex Police to see how we can use that for a recruitment campaign they can lead.”

Special constables, also known as volunteer police officers, perform some of the same duties as regular police officers including patrols, supporting victims, and tackling antisocial behaviour.

Under the proposed scheme, Southend residents who volunteer as Special Constables would be eligible for a Council Tax exemption or rebate, provided they undertake a minimum number of hours of duty per year. If agreed, it would come into force on April 1, 2025.

This incentive is designed to attract more volunteers who can assist in policing in periods of heightened need, helping to ensure Southend has sufficient police coverage without placing additional strain on the existing force. The notice of motion will also look to explore with local transport providers the possibility of providing free/discounted travel for Special Constables too.