Government launches session on the way forward for native authorities in Greater Essex

News launch issued by the Essex Leaders and Chief Executives group

Today (Wednesday 19 November), the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government has launched a session on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Greater Essex, and all councils are encouraging residents, companies, voluntary and neighborhood teams, and anybody to participate and share their views.

The authorities is consulting on the 4 proposals that had been submitted to the Government by Greater Essex councils in September, which set out totally different choices for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) within the county:

• Southend-on-Sea City Council, together with 9 district, borough and metropolis councils, has put ahead a plan for 5 unitary councils.
• Thurrock Council’s proposals deal with creating 4 new unitary councils for Greater Essex.
• Separately, Rochford Council has put ahead a unique proposal for a 4 unitary mannequin.
• Essex County Council, together with two district councils, is proposing a configuration of three new unitary councils.

All of the proposals, together with summaries, can be found on the joint LGR hub arrange by all 15 councils earlier this 12 months.

The session is aimed to assist the federal government perceive what folks and organisations take into consideration the proposed adjustments in Greater Essex.

LGR goals to simplify council constructions by creating new, larger councils that work higher, making it simpler for residents to entry and navigate providers. This may convey efficiencies and supply stronger native management.

Cllr Mark Stephenson (pictured), Leader of Tendring District Council, mentioned: “We have engaged with the government throughout its drive for Local Government Reorganisation, and I would encourage everyone to make their voice heard in the consultation which has now launched. The model for five councils in Greater Essex that we have supported, along with nine other councils, best meets our key criteria for localism, delivering a strong sense of place, supporting existing partnerships, high-quality service delivery and financial sustainability. We also believe that bigger isn’t always better. However, whatever the outcome of the Government’s re-organisation, we will work together with all the councils across Greater Essex to put the needs of our residents first. We understand people are concerned about the cost and possible disruption caused by Local Government Reorganisation; our commitment is that continued delivery of our services for residents is absolutely critical throughout this process.”

Cllr Graham Butland, Leader of Braintree District Council and Chair of the Essex Leaders and Chief Executives group, made up of all 15 councils, mentioned: “This is a vital opportunity for residents to share their views on four proposals that could reshape local government in Essex – the biggest change in over 50 years. Our goal for LGR is to build a stronger, simpler council system that works well for local people. We’d urge everyone in Essex, whether you live or work here, to have your say to help shape how decisions are made, services are delivered, and communities are represented in the future.”

Cllr David King, Leader of Colchester City Council and Vice-Chair of the Essex Leaders and Chief Executive’s Group, mentioned: “While all councils in Essex are united in recognising LGR as the right direction for the future, there are differing views on how best to deliver it. Whatever proposal the government decides to take forward, all proposals offer a valid vision for the future that aims to provide opportunities to collaborate, strengthen financial resilience and create more sustainable local services. All councils share a commitment to work together to make Essex even better and find the most effective solution that improves local government services and brings positive change for our communities. Please do make use of this opportunity to read the proposals, think about what kind of local government you want, and make your voice heard.”

Residents can participate within the session on-line at https://consult.communities.gov.uk/local-government-reorganisation/essex-southend-on-sea-thurrock/. The session closes on Sunday 11 January. Paper copies of the proposals will probably be made out there in any respect Essex libraries.

All councils are additionally invited to reply to the session.

The outcomes of the session will assist inform the federal government to determine a most well-liked possibility on how native authorities is structured in Greater Essex, which is anticipated in Spring 2026. New unitary councils are deliberate to go stay in April 2028.

More details about native authorities reorganisation in Greater Essex may be discovered on the Greater Essex joint LGR Hub.

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