SPECIAL constables who give up their free time to help crack crime in Southend will be rewarded with a council tax exemption.

Southend Council has backed Tory calls for special constables to either get money off their council tax or be exempt from paying it altogether.

It is hoped the new scheme will encourage more people to volunteer as specials and reward those who already give up their time to keep the city safe.

The council is also set to explore the possibility of providing free or discounted travel for the volunteers.

Speaking at a council meeting on Thursday, James Courtenay, leader of the Conservative Group, said: “I have to say on behalf of our residents and businesses, they want to see action on the very scary incidents of violent disorder we’ve seen in the city over the summer.

“While the incidents have been pretty isolated, watching video clips of machete wielding hooligans on our seafront in the exact spot where my wife and four-year-old son and other families had been merely hours beforehand is something I never want to see again.”

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

Mr Courtenay added: “It is clear we must act and we must act now. We need to have more resources deployed across the city at certain times of the year.

“We want to offer a small token of our appreciation for those undertaking voluntary service to help keep us all safe. The motion also demonstrates how we can work in partnership with Essex Police to ensure we have the most police in Southend when we need them.”

Colin Campbell, Conservative councillor for Southchurch Ward, added: “Specials are fully warranted constables. They’ve got the exact same powers as PCs. More specials on the streets are an effective way of tackling antisocial behaviour and crime.

“They are an incredibly useful resource to the police. They don’t do it asking for something back. While this motion will encourage more special constables and bolster our police ranks it’s also a way of providing a reward to them from this council.”

Daniel Cowan, Labour leader of the council, welcomed the call. He said: “The administration will be voting in favour of the motion. I’m pleased that this administration will be able to introduce it.

“The important thing is how we do it and how it’s applied, making sure the criteria is right. We want to encourage as many people as possible to become special constables to serve in Southend.”