The borough boundaries were enlarged on several occasions, notably absorbing Southchurch in 1897, Leigh-on-Sea in 1913, and Shoeburyness and North Shoebury in 1933.

Southend's boundaries remained the same, but it was redesignated as a non-metropolitan district, with Essex County Council once more providing county-level services.

[5] Southend regained its independence from Essex County Council on 1 April 1998 when it was made a unitary authority.

[6] Southend-on-Sea remains part of the ceremonial county of Essex for the purposes of lieutenancy.

[10][11] Political control of the council since the 1974 reforms has been as follows:[12][13] Lower-tier non-metropolitan district Unitary authority The role of mayor is largely ceremonial in Southend-on-Sea, usually being held by a different councillor each year.

[22] In 2007, Southend Borough Council was criticised as one of the worst financially managed local authorities in England by the Audit Commission report for 2006/7, one of three to gain only one of four stars, the others being Liverpool and the Isles of Scilly.

[23] In March 2012, Southend Borough Council was awarded the title of 'Council of the Year 2012' by the Local Government Chronicle.