Greater Essex councils submit interim plan for local government reorganisation

An initial plan setting out how Greater Essex councils could best respond to the challenge from government and achieve more for residents and businesses, has been shared with the Government.

The 15 councils and the office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, developed the joint, interim plan for local government reorganisation in Greater Essex.

The plan has been considered by all 15 councils during their respective council meetings over the last two weeks. All 15 agreed the initial plan should be submitted to the Government.

Although the plan does not include final recommendations for the future structure of local government in the area, most councils have expressed an in-principle preference to work toward five new unitary authorities for Greater Essex.

Other councils have yet to confirm a preference, and all councils are agreed that any recommendations must be evidential and soundly based, in response to the government's criteria, before a final business case is submitted in September.

Cllr Graham Butland, Chair of the Essex Leaders and Chief Executives Group, said: “We are pleased to move one step closer to achieving our joint vision for residents and businesses in Essex, with the submission of the interim plan for local government reorganisation in Greater Essex.

“The plan sets out our thinking to date and the benefits we believe local government reorganisation will bring to residents, businesses and councils.”

Cllr David King, who Chaired the development sessions which produced the interim plan, said: “The fact that this plan has been agreed by us all is testament to strong partnership working. Regardless of any decision on how many new unitary councils are created, this will continue to be vital if we are to achieve the outcomes we want to see for people, now and in the future.

“I look forward to continuing our work together over the next six months and developing the final business case to be submitted to the Government.”

The interim plan was considered at meetings held by each of the 15 councils in Greater Essex, prior to it being submitted to Government on 21 March 2025.

Work will now continue up to September to inform a final business case. This will be submitted to the government in line with its 26 September deadline.

The Government will decide what the final structure will be for Greater Essex councils.