Consultation begins on shake-up of local councils

Essex's 15 councils could be replaced by just five local authorities

People are being asked to share their views on proposals to cut the number of councils in Essex, replacing them with five unitary authorities.

A group including councils in Basildon, Brentwood, Castle Point, Chelmsford, Colchester, Maldon, Southend and Uttlesford has launched a consultation which could result in a radical shake-up of local democracy.

The current two-tier system of 15 district, unitary and county councils in Essex would be dramatically changed as part of the proposals.

It follows a national government requirement to replace the current district, county and city councils with simpler unitary authorities.

Greater Essex currently comprises 15 councils serving almost 1.9 million residents.

Southend and Thurrock operate as unitary authorities, meaning they manage most local services independently.

However, the rest of Essex follows a two-tier system.

District councils like Basildon, Castle Point and Chelmsford handle local facilities such as waste collection, street cleaning, and leisure provision.

Essex County Council oversees broader services including highways, adult social care, and special educational needs.

Colours show how the districts would be grouped together

Essex's 15 councils are set to be replaced within the next three years by a smaller number of new unitary authorities.

These new bodies would deliver all local services except those managed by town and parish councils, which would remain unaffected.

The consultation continues until 20 July and outlines the creation of the five new unitary councils, each formed by neighbouring existing councils joining together.

A final proposal is set to be submitted at the end of September and the Government will then decide how the councils should be structured in Essex.

New councils are expected to be in place from April 2028.