Residents are being asked to have their say over whether they want to see new town or parish councils for Clacton-on-Sea, Holland-on-Sea, and for Jaywick Sands.

Tendring District Council (TDC) is consulting on the possibility of establishing a new town council or parish councils for the three areas as part of a Community Governance Review, that launches today. [Tuesday, 1 July 2025]

Unlike other parts of the district, the areas are the only ones that do not have their own town or parish councils.

Last year district councillors backed moves to ask residents whether they feel it is time to create new town or parish councils for the three areas.

Since then, the Government has also launched its Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) programme, which is expected to see the creation of new, larger new unitary councils, taking on both county and district council responsibilities, in the next three years.

“Change is coming to local government – and we’re asking our residents whether they think now is the time to create a new voice for Clacton,” said Council Leader Mark Stephenson.

“Other towns in Tendring already have their own town councils to speak up for them – Clacton is the only town in Tendring without a town council.

“With a new single unitary council that is significantly bigger than Tendring on the horizon, and possibly a HQ away from Clacton, the question is being asked as to who will ensure that Clacton emerges stronger.

“We won’t be imposing a parish council or councils on any of these areas – this review is all about asking local people what they want to happen.

“Tendring has a proud history and a bright future – and we eagerly want to hear your thoughts on how Clacton, Holland-on-Sea and Jaywick Sands’ voice will be heard for years to come.

“If residents indicate in this consultation that they would like a new council or councils to be established, a second consultation will take place in November 2025 on one or more detailed proposals.”

No final decision will be made without residents having the chance to have their say on two separate occasions and for those views to be central to the final decision.

It is expected that a final decision would be made in March next year and that if a new council or councils were to be approved, they could be formed on 1 April, 2027.

The time frame would allow any new council or councils to be in place before Essex County Council and TDC are replaced with a new, larger unitary council.

The initial consultation will see more than 27,000 households consulted, with residents being urged to respond via a postcard – or reply free of charge online at https://www.tendringdc.gov.uk/community-governance-review before September 30.

Paper copies of the consultation response form are available from Clacton Town Hall, Station Road, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, CO15 1SP; Tendring District Council Offices, 90 Pier Avenue, Clacton-on-Sea, CO15 1TN; Holland Public Hall, 193 Frinton Road, Holland-on-Sea, CO15 5UR; and Sunspot, Brooklands, Jaywick Sands, CO15 2JE.

A series of public briefings will take place as part of the initial consultation, including at:

• St Johns Church Hall, St John’s Road, Great Clacton, CO15 4BP, on Monday, 28 July, from 6.30-7.30pm;

• Sunspot Business Centre, Brooklands, Jaywick Sands, CO15 2JG, on Tuesday, 29 July, from 6.30-7.30pm;

• Essex Hall, Town Hall, Station Road, Clacton, CO15 1SE, on Wednesday, 30 July, from 6.30-7.30pm;

• and at Holland Public Hall, 137-139 Frinton Road, Holland-on-Sea, CO15 5UR, on Thursday, 31 July, from 7-8pm.

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