Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

Find out about plans for Local Government Reorganisation in Essex

The government’s long-term vision is for simpler council structures, which make it clear who is responsible for services. 

At present, in the Essex County Council area, services are split between the County Council, Southend-on-Sea City Council, Thurrock Council and one of 12 city, borough or district council in a ‘two-tier’ arrangement. 

The government believes reorganising and simplifying councils can drive economic growth while delivering better public services. 

Reorganisation would see all 15 councils in Essex - those in the Essex County Council area, along with Southend-on-Sea City Council and Thurrock Council which are already unitary councils - replaced with a number of all-purpose ‘unitary’ authorities. They would be responsible for all local authority services in their area. 

Frequently asked questions about LGR in Essex

What has happened so far?

Thursday 17 July 2025 

We have revealed a map of how three brand-new unitary councils could replace the 15 current local authorities across Greater Essex.  

The new councils would mean the abolition of all the existing 15 councils in Greater Essex. This includes the existing unitaries of Thurrock and Southend on Sea as well as the County Council and all district, city and borough councils in the county council area.  

The proposed three unitaries for Greater Essex are:  

  • South Essex Unitary: Southend, Rochford, Castle Point, Basildon, Thurrock 
  • Central Essex Unitary: Chelmsford, Brentwood, Epping Forest, Harlow, Maldon 
  • North Essex Unitary: Colchester, Tendring, Braintree, Uttlesford  

Monday 7 July 2025 

We have confirmed a preference for three unitary councils in Greater Essex. The preferred number is based on evidence gathered to date and the criteria set by government. Our conclusion is the evidence points clearly toward three unitaries striking the right balance between being able to provide essential services while keeping costs low - for residents and councils 

Friday 2 May 2025 

Feedback has been given to Greater Essex’s Leaders and Chief Executives on initial plans for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Greater Essex. 

On 21 March, the 15 councils across Greater Essex and the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner submitted an interim plan to government. 

On Friday 2 May the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) provided feedback on that submission. The feedback was in the form of a letter to the Chief Executives of all 15 councils and the Office of the Police Fire and Crime Commissioner, followed by a verbal briefing.  

What does LGR look like?

All 15 councils across Greater Essex would be replaced by a number of unitary councils. Greater Essex currently has a population of around 1.9 million. The white paper has stipulated the government thinks the optimum size for new unitary councils to be at least 500,000 people. However, there may be some flexibility on this, and each case will be considered on its own merits. 

What is the difference between Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation?

Devolution is the transfer of powers and funding from UK government to local government. Local Government Reorganisation is about how local government powers and funding are organised between councils. 

Do we have to reorganise, or is it voluntary?

Reorganisation isn’t mandatory but the White Paper sets out the case for it and invites places to come forward with proposals. 

When can we expect this to take place?

We submitted interim plans in March 2025 with the deadline for LGR business cases to be submitted to the government in September 2025. Timelines for the remainder of the LGR process are subject to the proposals received. However, elections to shadow authorities could be expected in May 2027 following the 2026 consultation, with new unitaries going live in April 2028.