Plans to create three new community councils for Clacton-on-Sea, Holland-on-Sea and West Clacton & Jaywick Sands will move forward with an extra year for preparation and engagement with residents.

Tendring District Council (TDC) agreed at its Full Council meeting last week that the new councils will be established on 1 April 2028, rather than 1 April 2027 as originally planned.

The decision follows the Government’s announcement that its plans for Local Government Reorganisation in Greater Essex have been withdrawn, the process of reorganisation is on pause, and the existing electoral cycle will be restored, with elections to district and existing parish councils taking place in May 2027.

Although establishing the new councils in 2027 remained achievable, councillors agreed that a longer lead-in would allow more time to develop plans for their first year, complete the necessary financial and electoral work, and speak with residents about the services and priorities they want the councils to deliver on.

Councillors also agreed that those elected to the new councils will initially serve a three-year term, rather than five years. This means the next elections can be held alongside scheduled elections for other parish councils across the district.

Councillor Mark Stephenson, Leader of Tendring District Council, said: “The decision to create these councils has not changed. Residents told us clearly that they want a strong local voice, and we remain committed to making that happen.

“There is no prize for rushing this. Taking an extra year gives us the opportunity to have more conversations with residents, prepare properly and make sure the new councils are ready to champion their communities.

“This is a sensible and practical approach. It gives officers, councillors and our partners the time needed to do this properly, rather than simply do it quickly, and puts Clacton-on-Sea Town Council, Holland-on-Sea Village Council and West Clacton & Jaywick Sands Community Council on the strongest possible footing from day one.”

The three councils will have 25, 15 and 12 councillors respectively. Clacton-on-Sea Town Council will have eight parish wards based on the existing district council wards, while the other two councils will each be elected as a single area.

Community councils, often known as parish or town councils, can champion local priorities and may provide services such as parks, events, leisure facilities and community amenities. They are also statutory consultees on planning applications.