Option proposed for five new unitary authorities across Greater Essex to replace the current 15 councils

September 2, 2025

Proposal for five new unitary authorities across Greater Essex to replace the current 15 councils. This model is locally rooted, preserving community identity and service delivery.

Has been developed in partnership with nine other councils, with strong support from a significant number of MPs for the five-unitary model (5UA).

Public consultation shows the majority prefer the status quo, but when change is considered, five councils is the only viable option.

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.

Under the proposal, Southend would form a new unitary authority with our nearest neighbours, Castle Point and Rochford, reflecting existing community ties and shared services. Importantly, this model does not include a merger with Basildon or Thurrock, distinguishing it from alternative proposals being developed by other authorities.

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.

“This ‘Goldilocks’ model offers the ‘just right’ sized Council to help protect local services against a small number of mega councils, while delivering real public sector reform, a more sustainable, modern local government, and delivers more savings than the alternatives.

“The proposal follows a county-wide consultation that drew over 7,300 responses, with many residents prioritising local service delivery, accountability, and civic identity. While the majority of respondents preferred the status quo, when change was considered, the five council model was seen as the only viable option, with fewer than 20 respondents preferring three mega councils.

“We understand that what is most important to residents are things like: will my bins be collected, will potholes be filled in, will my library or nearby school still be open, and will my grandma be looked after,” added Cllr Cowan. “The answer to all of these is yes, but it will be done better by councils that are truly local, providing the best value for taxpayers’ money possible under any configuration.”

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.

“Many people are concerned about the costs and disruption from reorganisation. We will be working hard to make the process as smooth as possible and set up brand new councils that link services together better. There are real opportunities to improve how services are delivered for residents and reduce confusion about who is responsible for what.”