The government has 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 creation of five unitary councils - West Essex Council, North East Essex Council, Mid Essex Council, South West Essex Council and South East Essex Council - means that from April 2028, these unitary authorities will replace the current 15 councils across Greater Essex, who will have responsibility for delivering all services in one area including waste collections, planning, adult social care, highways, children’s services and more.
LGR aims to simplify council structures by creating new, more streamlined local councils that work better, making it easier for residents to access and navigate services.
Government has also confirmed their commitment to repayment in-principle of £200m of Thurrock Council debt.
Cllr Graham Butland, Leader of Braintree District Council and Chair of the Essex Leaders and Chief Executives group, made up of all 15 councils, said: “We welcome the government’s decision to create five new unitary councils for Greater Essex.
“There were strong options for how local government reorganisation could be shaped across the county, and now a decision has been made our focus is firmly on working together to deliver it. Councils across Greater Essex have worked closely to prepare for this next phase, and that collaboration will continue.
“Local Government Reorganisation gives us the opportunity to save money, simplify how people access services and strengthen local communities, delivering better outcomes for residents and businesses.
“We will now work collectively to develop a clear and robust plan until spring 2028. The people of Essex deserve the best possible councils, and we are committed to delivering a future that makes Essex an even better place to live and work.”
Cllr David King, Leader of Colchester City Council and Vice-Chair of the Essex Leaders and Chief Executive’s Group, said: “It is important to be clear that nothing will change until the new unitary authorities go live in April 2028. Until then, local councils will continue to deliver vital services and support residents, particularly those who need us most.
“We have one of the largest and most complex local government systems in the country, so a safe, smooth and well managed transition is essential. We are committed to minimising disruption and ensuring that, on day one of the new councils, residents experience no difference in the services they receive.
“We will communicate openly and clearly as plans develop, keeping people informed at every stage as we move towards the new authorities.”
Elections for the new shadow unitary authorities in Greater Essex are scheduled for May 2027, with new authorities expected to become operational in April 2028.
The latest updates and information about local government reorganisation in Greater Essex is available on the council’s joint LGR Hub.