NEW UNITARY AUTHORITIES ANNOUNCED March 26, 2026 – Posted in: News
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NEW UNITARY AUTHORITIES ANNOUNCED
The government has announced its decision on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Greater Essex, confirming the county will move to five new unitary councils, subject to parliamentary approval.
The creation of five unitary councils:
- West Essex Council
- North East Essex Council
- Mid Essex Council
- South West Essex Council
- South East Essex Council
This means that from April 2028, these unitary authorities will replace the current 15 councils across Greater Essex. They will be responsible for delivering all services in one area, including waste collections, planning, adult social care, highways, children’s services and more.
The new unitary authorities will include:
- Rochford
- Castle Point
- Southend-on-Sea
- Brentwood
- Chelmsford
- Maldon
- Epping Forest
- Harlow
- Uttlesford
- Braintree
- Colchester
- Tendring
- Basildon
- Thurrock
LGR aims to simplify council structures by creating new, more streamlined local councils that work better, making it easier for residents to access and navigate services.
The government has also confirmed its commitment to the in-principle repayment of £200 million of Thurrock Council debt.
Elections for the new shadow unitary authorities in Greater Essex are scheduled for May 2027, with the new authorities expected to become operational in April 2028.
The latest updates and information about local government reorganisation in Greater Essex are available on the Essex LGR hub website:
