The Government’s consultation on Local Government Reorganisation has now closed.
We, on behalf of the Leaders of Essex’s 15 councils, would like to thank every resident, business and organisation who offered their views and took the time to complete the questions on the different options posed by the Government.
Local Government is vital to our communities – it touches your neighbourhood, your safety, your education, your care, your jobs, your homes and ultimately your quality of life.
That is why this reorganisation of the services which deliver all of the above is so important.
The Government will decide, this March, which of the four different proposals for the future configuration of councils in Essex it prefers, having listened to your views.
Different councils hold different positions and views on the geographies and numbers within those proposals. But there is something more important which unites us all, and that will provide an important basis for the work which is to follow. Moving to a structure comprised of unitary councils means we can take advantage of the opportunity for efficiencies and better outcomes which will benefit residents and businesses.
As Leaders, our role now is to ensure that the transition to the new structures is as smooth as possible and happens in a way that minimises impact on services – and similarly, on day one for the new councils, that the people who depend on us, particularly the vulnerable, experience no difference in the services they receive.
We have already begun work to that end, work which will continue over the next two years until we reach April 2028 and the new councils come into being. We have one of the largest, most complex local government systems in the country, but we know how important a safe transition is, and we will achieve this. In the meantime, all 15 existing councils will continue to operate and deliver your services as usual.
The people of Essex deserve this, as they deserve the best possible councils. We all look forward to delivering the vision of making Essex an even better place to live and work.
Cllr Graham Butland, Leader of Braintree District Council and Chair of the Essex Leaders and Chief Executives Group and Cllr David King, Leader of Colchester City Council and Vice-Chair of the Essex Leaders and Chief Executives Group.
