There are currently 15 councils across Greater Essex. We believe that’s too many. Our proposal recommends moving to a three council model – one each for north, mid, and south Essex.
These new councils would be:
- North Essex: Colchester, Tendring, Braintree and Uttlesford
- Mid Essex: Chelmsford, Brentwood, Epping Forest, Harlow and Maldon
- South Essex: Southend, Thurrock, Basildon, Castle Point and Rochford
These new councils would replace the existing 15 councils and be designed around real communities, local economies and the services you rely on.
We want councils that are:
- big enough to deliver essential services well
- local enough to stay connected to you and your neighbourhood
- clearer in how decisions are made and who’s accountable to you
Our proposal is based on months of research, analysis and conversations with partners. It’s designed to meet the Government’s criteria for Local Government Reorganisation and to reflect what matters most to you.
Read the The Proposal for Greater Essex (PDF, 10.45 MB)
Read the overview of the Proposal for Greater Essex (PDF, 2.01 MB)
The Proposal for Greater Essex will be taken to Full Council for approval on 18 September, before it’s submitted to government on 26 September 2025.
Appendix and documents relating to the Proposal for Greater Essex
Greater Essex Proposal Appendix (PDF, 6.47 MB)
Appendix A, part one: NatCen resident survey (PDF, 609.58 KB)
Appendix A, part two: NatCen workshops and focus groups (PDF, 915.55 KB)
Appendix B: Grant Thornton: public sector reform in Essex (PDF, 2.06 MB)
Appendix C: Newton Europe: Local Government Reform – Impact on People Services (PDF, 711.47 KB)
Appendix D: PwC: Greater Essex LGR Financial Analysis (PDF, 626.18 KB)
Appendix E: PwC: Greater Essex Additional Contextual Analysis (PDF, 860.83 KB)
Appendix F1: CIPFA: Essex LGR debt and non-current assets, part one (PDF, 1.06 MB)
Appendix F1: CIPFA: Essex LGR debt and non-current assets, part two (PDF, 802.04 KB)
Appendix F2: Essex LGR Report on Analysis of Reserves (PDF, 265.85 KB)
Appendix G: Disaggregation of ECC revenue budget (PDF, 305.93 KB)
Proposals from other councils
Alongside our proposal, Southend-on-Sea City Council is leading a proposal for five councils. Thurrock Council is developing a proposal based on four and Rochford Council may also submit a different proposal for four councils. Visit the Essex LGR Hub website for more information.
The government will consider all proposals before deciding which proposals will go forward to public consultation. This is anticipated in the autumn.