The Government has today announced its decision on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Greater Essex, confirming the county will move to five new unitary councils, subject to parliamentary approval.
The new councils will be (names as set out in the proposal document):
- West Essex Council – Uttlesford, Harlow and Epping Forest
- North East Essex Council – Braintree, Colchester and Tendring
- Mid Essex Council – Brentwood, Chelmsford and Maldon
- South West Essex Council – Thurrock and Basildon
- South East Essex Council – Castlepoint, Rochford and Southend on Sea
From April 2028 these authorities will replace the current council structure across Greater Essex and will be responsible for delivering all local government services within their areas, including waste collections, planning, highways, adult social care and children’s services.
Under the new structure, Thurrock will form part of the South West Essex Council alongside Basildon.
Thurrock Council submitted its proposal to Government setting out how local government could be organised across Greater Essex to deliver strong services, maintain local identity and ensure long-term financial sustainability.
Cllr Lynn Worrall, Leader of Thurrock Council, said:
“Thurrock Council made a case to Government for a model we believed offered the right balance for residents, not just in Thurrock, but across Greater Essex.
“We will of course work towards the Government’s preferred option, but we remain clear that without the balance that Thurrock’s proposal struck, all 5 of the new councils will need to work really hard to ensure they are financially sustainable.
“Undoubtedly, the support offered by the Government to significantly reduce Thurrock’s debts will help with that, and we are grateful for the £200m announced today.
“Our focus now is working constructively with neighbouring councils and partners across Greater Essex to ensure the new arrangements deliver the best possible outcomes for residents and businesses, and deliver on the benefits that LGR can bring.”
The new unitary authorities will not become operational until April 2028. Until then, existing councils will continue delivering services and supporting residents and business as normal. Elections for the new shadow unitary authorities are expected to take place in May 2027.
Until then, existing councils will continue delivering services and supporting residents and businesses as normal.
Updates about the wider programme across Greater Essex are available on the Essex LGR Hub.
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