Tendring District Councillors have debated their preferred option for the reorganisation of local government in Greater Essex.

Earlier this year, the Government launched its Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) programme, aimed at simplifying how councils operate.

Over the next three years, the number and structure of councils across Essex could change significantly, with plans expected to create larger unitary authorities that combine county and district responsibilities under one roof.

At a meeting of full Council on Thursday, 14 August, councillors received an update from the Council’s Chief Executive Ian Davidson, outlining the current landscape and the range of proposals being developed.

Among the business cases submitted to the Government in September it is expected that there will be proposals for creating a number of different unitary authorities including a three-council proposal, a four-council proposal, and a five-council proposal which will replace Essex County Council and all the districts in Essex.

The meeting gave elected members the opportunity to consider the available evidence and comment on which options they believed would best serve the district.

During the debate, a majority of those councillors who spoke expressed support for the five-council proposal, which would see Tendring District Council merged with Colchester City Council and Braintree District Council, along with Essex County Council, although no vote was taken.

Councillor Mark Stephenson, TDC Leader, said: “Local Government Reorganisation is a significant development for our area, and we’ve taken time to consider what it could mean for Tendring and Councillors could continue to provide their views to him directly.

“Our focus remains on securing the best possible outcomes for our residents and businesses, whatever shape future arrangements may take.

“We’ve worked closely with neighbouring councils throughout this process - particularly Braintree District Council and Colchester City Council - recognising that most of the current proposals involve us continuing to work together.

“That partnership remains important as we navigate both the opportunities and the challenges ahead.

“While the final decision ultimately rests with Government, we are committed to representing the interests of our community throughout the process.”

The views shared at the full Council meeting will help inform the next stage of the process, with Tendring’s Cabinet set to make a formal recommendation on which proposal to support, ahead of the submissions to the Government in September.

Throughout September, councils across Greater Essex will be making their own decisions on the options through their own governance processes.

Once submitted, the Government is expected to launch a public consultation in the autumn, with a final recommendation to the Minister anticipated by March 2026.

Earlier this week, Leaders and Chief Executives from councils across Essex, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock launched a new microsite dedicated to Greater Essex Local Government Reorganisation at https://essexlgrhub.org

The site provides a central hub for residents and businesses to access up-to-date information about LGR in Greater Essex.

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