In March, the 15 councils in Greater Essex shared an interim plan for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) with government.
This set out how LGR could help councils to achieve more for residents and businesses.
Since then, we have been gathering evidence to inform future options.
This includes a proposed number of new councils we believe is right for Greater Essex.
Our position is that we want to consider the evidence before deciding on a preferred number of new unitary councils.
The latest research (from consultants PwC) shows fewer new councils would potentially strike a better balance between being able to deliver essential services and achieving value for money for taxpayers.
Alongside other councils, we are now using this insight to develop a draft LGR business case.
This draft business case will include a proposed number of new councils.
The development of a separate draft business case is being led by Southend-in-Sea City Council, based on the case for a five-unitary council model.
Both business cases will be submitted to government in September. Government will make the final decision for Greater Essex.
Read more from our Leader. Councillor Kevin Bentley.