Plans show where the new five councils could be in Greater Essex
Southend-on-Sea City Council will consider this major proposal at its Full Council meeting on 10 September 2025 prior to making a final decision at Cabinet on 15 September.
A new proposal for unitary authorities in Essex will be considered by Southend-on-Sea City Council.
The plan is different to other proposals in Essex, as Southend would form a unitary authority alongside Castle Point and Rochford, rather than Basildon or Thurrock.
Cllr Daniel Cowan, Leader of Southend-on-Sea City Council, said:
"Since the Devolution White Paper made it clear that Essex must reorganise, I have advocated for keeping local government local. I remain firmly committed to the case for five councils - as do a number of my colleagues, and we've seen strong support from other councils and MPs.
"It's the only sensible way forward for Essex, based on the needs of real communities that connects Southend with Castle Point and Rochford, where we already have strong community ties and services still being provided locally."
The new plans proposed would put together:
- Uttlesford, Harlow and Epping Forest
- Braintree, Colchester and Tendring
- Maldon, Chelmsford and Brentwood
- Southend, Castle Point and Rochford
- Basildon and Thurrock
Cllr Stephen Robinson, Deputy Chair of the five council group and Leader of Chelmsford City Council said:
"From our consultation, it's really clear that people are worried about local government becoming less local. Streamlining Greater Essex into five unitary authorities, as opposed to creating bigger and unwieldy councils, is the best option on the table. It ensures that we can make the savings that are needed but also keep our local identities and ensure everyone is represented democratically."