The latest council tax costs have been revealed ahead of the new financial year getting underway.

Boundaries were set in recent council meetings, with costs fluctuating depending on which band each property is listed under.

Southend Council has confirmed those living in a Band A home will have to fork out up to £1,218.48 in council tax.

Meanwhile, those boasting a property in Band H - the highest category - are facing the prospect of paying £3,655.44.

Southend Council has also confirmed, following a change in legislation, there will be an introduction of an additional 300 per cent levy for all domestic properties which have been vacant for a continuous period greater than 10 years from April 1.

Also, a 100 per cent premium will be charged to all properties that have been vacant for anywhere between two and five years, while a 200 per cent levy will be applied to homes left empty for five to 10 years.

Rochford Council has also revealed what residents will have to pay when the next financial year gets underway on April 1.

Different pay grades have been set for properties in Ashingdon, Barling, Canewdon, Foulness, Great Wakering, Hawkwell, Hockley, Hullbridge, Paglesham, Rawreth, Rayleigh, Rochford, Stambridge and Sutton.

Band A properties in Rayleigh will have to fork out the least, with their council tax level set at £1,264.61.

Sutton dwellings in Band H are facing the most expensive outlay, with their council tax confirmed at £4,034.78 from next month.

Castle Point Council has also verified its council tax listings for each band after holding a council meeting on February 24.

Including those in the Canvey Island Town Council precept, Band A homes are facing the prospect of paying £1,275.18 in council tax.

Living in a Band H property will result in residents paying £3,825.54.

Meanwhile, a Leigh school could be set to expand after lodging a planning application with Southend Council.

Chalkwell Hall Infant School, on London Road, has revealed plans to demolish two existing portacabins and construct a single storey building.

The building would comprise of three classrooms with ancillary space, ensuring there is more room to teach pupils as schools prepare to return to some form of normality after the coronavirus pandemic.

The school’s application has been validated by the council.