Residents in Clacton-on-Sea, Holland-on-Sea, and West Clacton and Jaywick Sands are being reminded that there are just a few weeks left to take part in a consultation to shape how potential new community councils could be formed.
Tendring District Council (TDC) launched Phase II of its Community Governance Review late last year, following strong backing in the first phase for creating new community councils in the three un-parished areas. Community councils – often referred to as parish or town councils – provide an additional level of local representation.
This second stage, which runs until 28 February, invites residents to give feedback on a more detailed set of options. These include suggested council boundaries, potential council names, the number of councillors for each area, and the types of local services people feel should be managed at a community level.
More than 3,400 people took part in the initial summer 2025 consultation, with a clear majority supporting the creation of local councils for Clacton, Holland, and Jaywick.
Current proposals outline three new bodies - West Clacton and Jaywick Sands Town Council, Clacton-on-Sea Town Council, and Holland-on-Sea Village Council, made up of 12, 25, and 15 councillors respectively.
With the deadline approaching, people who have not yet responded are being reminded to share their views while there is still time.
Councillor Mark Stephenson, Leader of TDC, said: “This consultation is a real opportunity for our communities to shape how they want to be represented in the years ahead.
“We’ve already had a fantastic response, and it is clear people care deeply about the future of their local areas.
“We’re now at the stage where residents can help shape the real detail. We heard a strong message of support during the initial consultation, and this next phase is about understanding what people feel new local councils should look like, how they should operate, and what they should focus on delivering.
“I know there are many more who plan to respond but just haven’t got round to it yet. My message to them is simple - don’t miss your chance. Time is getting tight, and every voice genuinely matters.
“With the UK Government currently proposing that TDC could be replaced in 2028 by a much larger unitary authority — potentially three or four times the size of Tendring — strong local representation here will only become more important.”
Phase II of the consultation is following the same successful format as Phase I, with online surveys, letters to households, and a series of public briefings held this week.
Residents can send in their feedback using the paper survey included in their consultation letter, or by completing the online version at www.tendringdc.gov.uk/community-governance-review.
You can also pick up a paper copy of the consultation form at Clacton Town Hall, Station Road; Tendring District Council Offices, Pier Avenue; Holland Public Hall, Frinton Road; and the Sunspot, Brooklands, Jaywick Sands.
Community councils can champion issues important to their local communities and may manage services such as parks, events, leisure facilities, and local amenities. They are also statutory consultees for planning applications within their areas.
In Tendring’s currently parished communities, the average Band D property pays just under £76 per year (around £1.46 per week) to support the work of existing town and parish councils.
Mike Eldred, Chairman of the Essex Association of Local Councils, added: "We encourage everyone to take part in this consultation and help define how these councils could serve their areas."
A final decision is expected to be made by councillors in June, and if approved, the new councils could be created from 1 April 2027.
