New report backs plans for five unitary authorities in Essex
Analysis by the DCN says smaller councils outperform larger ones
A new report by the District Councils' Network has provided further backing to the five unitary authorities plan in Essex.
The research opposes the government's proposed 500,000 population benchmark for new councils, finding "no credible evidence" to support it.
The ten Essex councils backing the proposal for five argue in a joint statement that they believe "effective local government is not about size - it's about being rooted in place, responsive to local needs, and financially sustainable."
DCN research suggests that larger councils don't deliver better results.
Essex's five unitary authority model would see populations between 326,000 and 510,000, with each "designed to reflect natural communities and existing collaboration."
“As the Government considers options for Local Government Reorganisation, we urge decision-makers to take this evidence seriously and remain open-minded about models that prioritise local connection over scale.
“Together, we remain committed to shaping a future for Essex that empowers communities, strengthens services, and puts local people at the heart of decision-making.”
Other proposals have been put forward for Greater Essex. One by Essex County Council is for three, and two more have been proposed for four.
The ten councils in favour of the model for five unitary authorities are: Basildon, Brentwood, Castle Point, Chelmsford, Colchester, Harlow, Maldon, Southend, Tendring, and Uttlesford.