News release issued by the Essex Leaders and Chief Executives group
Today (Wednesday 19 November), the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government has launched a consultation on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Greater Essex, and all councils are encouraging residents, businesses, voluntary and community groups, and anyone interested to take part and share their views.
The government is consulting on the four proposals that were submitted to the Government by Greater Essex councils in September, which set out different options for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in the county:
All of the proposals, including summaries, are available on the joint LGR hub set up by all 15 councils earlier this year.
The consultation is aimed to help the government understand what people and organisations think about the proposed changes in Greater Essex.
LGR aims to simplify council structures by creating new, bigger councils that work better, making it easier for residents to access and navigate services. This may also bring efficiencies and provide stronger local leadership.
Cllr Mark Stephenson (pictured), Leader of Tendring District Council, said: “We have engaged with the government throughout its drive for Local Government Reorganisation, and I would encourage everyone to make their voice heard in the consultation which has now launched. The model for five councils in Greater Essex that we have supported, along with nine other councils, best meets our key criteria for localism, delivering a strong sense of place, supporting existing partnerships, high-quality service delivery and financial sustainability. We also believe that bigger isn't always better. However, whatever the outcome of the Government’s re-organisation, we will work together with all the councils across Greater Essex to put the needs of our residents first. We understand people are concerned about the cost and possible disruption caused by Local Government Reorganisation; our commitment is that continued delivery of our services for residents is absolutely critical throughout this process.”
Cllr Graham Butland, Leader of Braintree District Council and Chair of the Essex Leaders and Chief Executives group, made up of all 15 councils, said: “This is a vital opportunity for residents to share their views on four proposals that could reshape local government in Essex - the biggest change in over 50 years. Our goal for LGR is to build a stronger, simpler council system that works well for local people. We’d urge everyone in Essex, whether you live or work here, to have your say to help shape how decisions are made, services are delivered, and communities are represented in the future.”
Cllr David King, Leader of Colchester City Council and Vice-Chair of the Essex Leaders and Chief Executive’s Group, said: “While all councils in Essex are united in recognising LGR as the right direction for the future, there are differing views on how best to deliver it. Whatever proposal the government decides to take forward, all proposals offer a valid vision for the future that aims to provide opportunities to collaborate, strengthen financial resilience and create more sustainable local services. All councils share a commitment to work together to make Essex even better and find the most effective solution that improves local government services and brings positive change for our communities. Please do make use of this opportunity to read the proposals, think about what kind of local government you want, and make your voice heard.”
Residents can take part in the consultation online at https://consult.communities.gov.uk/local-government-reorganisation/essex-southend-on-sea-thurrock/. The consultation closes on Sunday 11 January. Paper copies of the proposals will be made available at all Essex libraries.
All councils are also invited to respond to the consultation.
The results of the consultation will help inform the government to decide a preferred option on how local government is structured in Greater Essex, which is expected in Spring 2026. New unitary councils are planned to go live in April 2028.
More information about local government reorganisation in Greater Essex can be found on the Greater Essex joint LGR Hub.
