Colchester council news
Colchester council news, newest first: decisions, budgets, council tax, bins and services, each linked to the council's own papers.
Top story
Microsoft Outage Hit Colchester Hospital and Council Emails
Colchester Hospital's trust says email and Teams were back by 3.30pm on Friday after the Microsoft outage. The city council was still warning of slow replies this evening.
More stories
Colchester
Colchester's Parks Now Run by Amphora as 40 Staff Transfer
Colchester's parks, cemeteries and open spaces have been looked after by council-owned Amphora since 1 November, with about 40 former Idverde staff moving over.
Council
Colchester Council Backs Six-Game Stadium Barrier Trial
Councillors voted 30 to 9 to back a six-game trial lifting the United Way barrier after U's home games, starting before Christmas. Checked November 2026.
Council
Colchester Council Off Track for 2030 Carbon Target
The council's emissions were 5,246 tonnes in 2025/26, about double its target line, and its report says 2030 needs major investment. Checked November 2026.
Council
Colchester Council to 2029: Plan to Keep City Status
Colchester City Council stays until at least April 2029, the minister has confirmed. On Tuesday councillors see how city status and the Mayor would survive.
Planning
Colchester councillors lose planning call-in from 1 November
Ward councillors can no longer send a planning application to committee from 1 November. Officers decide most cases; the committee chair and a senior planner must agree any referral.
Colchester
Colchester Council's LGR Costs Motion Was Never Debated
Time ran out on 14 October before Colchester's leader could move his motion demanding merger costs back. How the other motions went. Updated November 2026.
Bins
Colchester Christmas Bin Collections: Days Move Forward
Colchester brings Christmas bin collections forward a day, not back. Last year's full table, the garden waste pause, and when the 2026 dates are due.
Colchester
Colchester Council Merger Withdrawn: 2028 Date Is Off
Colchester will not be abolished on 1 April 2028: the government has withdrawn the North East Essex merger. The council's own panel met two days later anyway.
Colchester
Colchester Freedom of the City: Sir Bob Russell, 16 Sept
Sir Bob Russell receives the Honorary Freedom of the City at the Moot Hall at 6pm on Wednesday 16 September. The public can attend both ceremonies, free.
Planning
Colchester Local Plan: 21,692 homes, comment by 13 October
Colchester's final Local Plan consultation closes 4pm on 13 October, allocating 12,208 homes: 2,500 at Marks Tey, 2,000 in north-east Colchester.
Bins
Colchester bins: 18,000 homes get wheeled bins in September
Around 18,000 Colchester homes move to wheeled recycling bins during September, and 17,980 get free caddy liners. Check your own address first.
Bins
Colchester Bin Days: Your Collection Day Changed on 1 June
Colchester bin days changed on 1 June 2026: food weekly, everything else fortnightly. How to find your day, when your new bins arrive, and missed collections.
Parking
Parking in Colchester: Britannia Is £1.80 All Day on Sunday
Britannia car park is £2.60 an hour, £11 all day and £1.80 all day on Sundays. Tariffs for nine Colchester council car parks, plus where the free hours are.
Council Tax
Colchester Council Tax: £2,240.94 at Band D This Year
Band D council tax in Colchester is £2,240.94 in 2026/27, and more in parished areas. Bands A to H for all 35 charging areas, discounts, and challenging a band.