Following last week’s Full Council meeting and ahead of Corporate Overview and Scrutiny next week, the Leader of the Council, Cllr Lynn Worrall, has announced Thurrock Council’s emerging preferred option for four new local authorities for Greater Essex, as part of local government reorganisation.
The government has been clear that it wants to see local government simplified across the country and here in Essex, local authorities are engaging with their residents and stakeholders on what shape and number of new local authorities might be needed to replace the 15 existing councils.
Thurrock Council launched its own engagement earlier in July, seeking views on the issues residents of the borough want to see prioritised in any new reorganisation. That engagement is helping shape the thinking of the Leader and her Cabinet as the deadline to submit proposals on local government in Essex approaches in September.
The council has been working hard assessing each of the options that were available. Financial analysis and the implications of Thurrock Council’s debt were important considerations when reviewing the various configurations of new authorities which included Thurrock. This approach has helped the Council reach the conclusion that this four-authority model is the right one.
Cllr. Worrall said: “Most of the councils in Essex are working hard in their own communities to develop proposals as to what the landscape of local government in Essex could look like in future. The big question is this: how many councils is right for Thurrock and Essex? For our part, it has become clear that some of the models and ideas put forward by other councils simply will not work for all the people of Thurrock or for the people of Greater Essex.
“A model of only having three very large unitary authorities doesn’t really look like sensible geographies and would simply be too far removed from the local communities that will rely on them. The five-model option, although it feels more local, is not viable on financial grounds. The collective debt of councils across the whole of greater Essex creates the risk of a big government bail-out would be needed to make this plan work.
“As a result of our own analysis, we believe that a four-model option is the right one for both Thurrock and Essex. Four authorities operating in Essex strikes the right balance between financial viability and decision-making being closer to those whom we serve. However, we do not intend to make the decision today – residents are already engaging on this issue in their hundreds through our own online survey. It is right that we conclude that work before making a final decision.
“I want to thank those elected Members who have worked so hard on the Member Working Group which is reviewing the options for the future, and for the support and challenge from Corporate Oversight and Scrutiny, with whom I look forward to talking about our decision. Their continuing efforts are greatly appreciated. Additionally, I want to thank those residents and stakeholders of the borough who are already engaging with us about it.
“Our focus at this time must be on improving Thurrock Council on behalf of its residents and securing a future local government landscape in Essex that is accountable, transparent, sustainable and provides value-for-money.”
All proposals for change to Essex local government as part of the reorganisation process must be submitted to the government by 26 September.
The council's survey on local government reorganisation is available Have my say: Local Government Reorganisation
Future unitary authorities of Greater Essex – Thurrock Council proposals
- New Unitary Authority 1: West Essex - Thurrock, Brentwood, Epping Forest, Harlow
West Essex Unitary will be a strategically connected, economically ambitious, and socially inclusive authority. It brings together four distinct but complementary areas to form a new council with the scale and capability to lead on national infrastructure, deliver high-quality services, and drive inclusive growth.
- New Unitary Authority 2: North Essex - Chelmsford, Braintree, Uttlesford
North Essex Unitary will be a balanced, resilient, and strategically located authority, combining the economic strength of Chelmsford, the rural and historic character of Uttlesford, and the industrial and logistical capacity of Braintree. It will be defined by its strong transport infrastructure, high quality of life, and capacity to deliver sustainable growth.
- New Unitary Authority 3: East Essex - Colchester, Tendring, Maldon
East Essex Unitary will be a coastal and cultural authority, defined by its heritage, natural assets, and inclusive growth ambitions. It will bring together the historic city of Colchester, the coastal towns of Clacton, Harwich, and Walton, and the rural estuary landscapes of Maldon. The authority will be focused on regeneration, environmental resilience, and improving outcomes in areas of deprivation.
- New Unitary Authority 4: South Essex - Southend-on-Sea, Basildon, Castle Point, Rochford
South Essex Unitary will be a dynamic, high-growth authority with a strong civic identity, diverse economy, and ambitious regeneration agenda. It will bring together four areas with complementary strengths in advanced manufacturing, health, logistics, and tourism.