Consultation on Proposals for Local Government Reorganisation in Essex, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock

Closes 11 Jan 2026

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Consultation on the Proposal from Essex County Council, Braintree District Council and Epping Forest District Council

Consultation for 3 unitary councils:

  1. North: Braintree, Colchester, Tendring, Uttlesford​​
  2. Mid: Harlow, Epping Forest, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon​
  3. South: Thurrock, Basildon, Castle Point, Rochford, Southend
1. To what extent do you agree or disagree that the proposal suggests councils that are based on sensible geographies and economic areas?
2. To what extent do you agree or disagree that the proposed councils will be able to deliver the outcomes they describe in the proposal?
3. To what extent do you agree or disagree that the proposed councils are the right size to be efficient, improve capacity and withstand financial shocks?
4. To what extent do you agree or disagree that this proposal will put local government in the area as a whole on a firmer footing, particularly given that some councils in the area are in Best Value Intervention and in receipt of Exceptional Financial Support?

More information

As of 19 November 2025, the council in the Essex, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock area in Best Value Intervention is Thurrock Council. The statutory intervention is scheduled to end in April 2028.

As of 19 November 2025, within the Essex, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock area Thurrock Council had received in-principle Exceptional Financial Support to support their 2025/26 budget. This council will not necessarily be in receipt of Exceptional Financial Support in future financial years or on/after vesting day for any new unitary authority.

5. To what extent do you agree or disagree that the proposed councils will deliver high quality, sustainable public services?
6. To what extent do you agree or disagree that the proposal has been informed by local views and will meet local needs?
7. To what extent do you agree or disagree that establishing the councils in this proposal will support devolution arrangements, for example, the establishment of a strategic authority?
8. To what extent do you agree or disagree that the proposal enables stronger community engagement and gives the opportunity for neighbourhood empowerment?
9. If you would like to, please use the free text box to explain the answers you have provided to questions 1-8 referring to the question numbers as part of your answer. You may also use the box to provide any other comments you have on this proposal.
10. I confirm that I have not included any information that identifies an individual in the free text box.