Last chance to have your say on Local Government Reorganisation in Greater Essex

There are just a few days left to take part in the Government’s public consultation on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Greater Essex.

The consultation invites residents, businesses, partners and those working in Greater Essex to share their views on the four proposals submitted. It closes at midnight on Sunday 11 January 2026.

The proposal supported by Essex County Council, Braintree District Council and Epping Forest District Council – ‘Three new councils, one bright future’ – is one of four proposals being consulted on.

This proposal recommends moving from the current 15-council structure to a more streamlined, sustainable model of three new unitary councils.

The three-unitary model offers significant long term benefits. This includes providing over £400m in savings over 10 years when compared to a five unitary model, and creating a stronger foundation for future investment in services and communities.

All proposals were submitted to Government on 26 September 2025 following extensive collaboration, evidence gathering and engagement across Greater Essex.

After reviewing all four submissions against set evaluation criteria, Government confirmed they would invite views on all of them.

Councillor Kevin Bentley, Leader of Essex County Council, said: “We are one step closer to creating a more effective, empowered and community focused local government system.

“This consultation is a vital opportunity for people across Greater Essex to tell the Government what they think of the proposals and I would urge them to have their say before the deadline on Sunday.”

The Government is expected to decide on the final model for Greater Essex in the spring.

Find more information about LGR in Greater Essex: https://www.essexlgrhub.org/stronger-greater-essex.

Read all the LGR proposals for Greater Essex submitted to the Government: https://www.essexlgrhub.org/proposals.

Read a summary of ‘Three new councils, one bright future’: https://www.essex.gov.uk/about-council/plans-and-strategies/our-vision-essex/three-new-councils-one-bright-future.

Take part in the Government’s consultation: https://www.essexlgrhub.org/have-your-say.