Our Cabinet has agreed that the interim plan for local government reorganisation in Greater Essex should be submitted to government.
This sets out how changing council structures in the county would help us to be more efficient. Delivery of essential services would be more streamlined. We will also be able to reduce duplication and achieve more for less for our residents.
At this stage, there is no confirmation of how many councils there will be in the future. Along with partners, we will be gathering evidence to inform the final business cases. These will be shared with government in September.
The Government will then make the final decision for Greater Essex.
Leader of the Council, Councillor Kevin Bentley, said: “This is a momentous point in our collective journey to improve the lives of our residents, ensure they have access to better opportunities, and to transform local services – now and in the future.
“All 15 councils and the office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner in Greater Essex have worked incredibly hard to develop this joint submission which, I am proud to say, has residents and businesses at its heart. We are not only doing this for the people of Essex now, but for future generations who will benefit too.
“Local government reorganisation is about bringing decision making about essential services closer to people - something we know is important to them. Our work will always be about ensuring the voices of cities, towns and villages are heard, and this will be a continued focus in the detailed plans.
"We don't underestimate the scale of what is being proposed. Work will continue between now and September to gather evidence and inform the final structures that will help us to achieve economies of scale and protect vital front-line services from unnecessary risk.
“We need to ensure the new councils – however many this turns out to be - are sustainable. The Government will consider this as part of their final decision and so we must get this once-in-a-generation opportunity right.
“We remain fully committed to continue working with our partners over the coming months to secure the long-term future of our great county.”
The interim plan is being considered by all 15 councils in Greater Essex. It will be submitted to government on 21 March 2025.
Read the interim plan for local government reorganisation in Greater Essex.