Plans to create new community councils across Clacton-on-Sea, Holland-on-Sea and West Clacton & Jaywick Sands are moving forward, after Tendring District Council’s (TDC) Cabinet agreed the next phase of work.

At its meeting on Friday, 26 June, Cabinet approved proposals setting out how TDC will support the transition from the recent decision to create three new parish councils into fully functioning local councils by April 2027.

The move builds on strong backing from residents, with thousands taking part in consultation and overwhelmingly supporting the creation of new councils to represent their communities.

The approved plans focus on turning that support into reality – setting out how the councils will be established, how they will be funded, and how residents will continue to be involved in shaping them over the coming months.

This includes working closely with community groups, councillors and residents to develop the first budgets for the new councils and agree local council tax arrangements ahead of their launch.

Cabinet also agreed proposals to commission the Essex Association of Local Councils to deliver workshops and engagement sessions in each area, helping local people play a direct role in shaping how their new councils will operate and what they will prioritise.

Councillor Ivan Henderson, Deputy Leader of TDC, said: “This is about making sure the transition to new community councils is transparent and well supported.

“Residents, community groups and elected members played a meaningful role in shaping the recommendations that were accepted by Full Council, and this next phase is about turning that engagement into action.

“The new councils will become important partners in delivering for their communities, alongside other parish and town councils across Tendring.

“By working with the Essex Association of Local Councils, we can help ensure residents, ward councillors and prospective interim bodies are informed, supported and ready to help set these new councils up to succeed from day one.”

Councillor Peter Kotz, TDC Cabinet Member for Assets and Community Safety, added: “The £27,500 allocation from this council to support this work is a careful, risk-managed and financially responsible approach.

“It will help ensure the new councils begin with realistic budgets, clear financial procedures and proper governance arrangements in place.

“That gives them a stable platform for their first year of operation before elected councillors take forward their priorities for each community.”

Following Cabinet’s decision, a programme of work will now take place over the coming months, including community workshops, detailed financial planning and preparations for elections to the new councils. The three councils are due to be formally created on 1 April 2027, with elections expected shortly afterwards.

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

Average Band D homes in the parished areas of Tendring district pay on average just less than £76 per year (which equates to £1.46 per week) for services delivered by town and parish councils locally.