Whether you’re local or visiting, there’s always something to see and do in Colchester. Explore events, activities and ideas to help you plan your trip.
Council services
Find helpful support and advice for keeping on top of rising living expenses.
View your recycling calendar, order new containers and find out what to put out each week.
Search for planning applications, submit an application and find guidance and resources for navigating the planning process.
Register for Council tax, pay your Council tax bill and apply for a discount or exemption.
Make a claim, manage your account and find helpful advice and support.
Find information on disabled facilities grant including stairlift grant, home repair loan.
Manage your business rates account, find out about our business waste collection service and obtain licensing.
Apply for housing and manage your account.
Apply for Building Control approval, check which supporting documents are required and how much it costs. You can also search for an application.
Report fly-tipping, find out about street cleaning or pay a fixed penalty notice.
Register to vote and find out about upcoming elections.
Book a pest control appointment, report a lost dog or report a noise nuisance.
Buy a parking permit, find car parks and information about road closures.
See and apply for our available positions, find out about apprenticeship opportunities and work experience.
Colchester Leisure World, Aqua Springs spa, Colchester Events, Colchester and Ipswich museums.
Apply for licences (including premises licences, taxi driver licences, temporary event notices), and access our licensing register.
Find information on what you will need to complete a local land charge search if you remortgage or buying property or land.
Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
See the latest information and updates relating to Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation in Greater Essex.
Build a routine that fits your life
Enjoy gym, swim, classes and more at Leisure World and Colchester Sports Park. Use code 22FOR2 to get 22% off your first 2 months plus no joining fee.
Colchester City Council honoured to welcome Airborne Soldier Statue
5 August 2026
The life-size bronze statue marks 25 years of 16 Air Assault Brigade being based at Merville Barracks and honours airborne forces personnel past and present
Overnight A12 clean-up removes nearly 2.5 tonnes of waste from roadside
5 August 2026
Work began on 6 July and was carried out over three nights, making use of planned road closures to minimise disruption for drivers while ensuring crews could work safely along the busy route
Local emergency response service helping cut ambulance demand across North East Essex
3 August 2026
Helpline 24/7, which supports thousands of people across North East Essex, provides 24-hour telecare monitoring and rapid response to incidents such as non-injury falls, often arriving on scene before an ambulance is required
Keep up to date
Get the latest news and information from Colchester City Council.