‘Five council’ proposal launches public consultation

Published: 30 June 2025

Residents, businesses and local organisations are being asked to share their views on the future of councils in Essex. A public consultation to give people a chance to have their say has been launched by a number of authorities to guide their proposed vision for new unitary councils across Greater Essex.

The group, which includes Basildon, Brentwood, Castle Point, Chelmsford, Colchester, Maldon, Southend and Uttlesford, is developing a proposal for five new future councils. The Government has asked councils in the area to propose options to reduce the current number of local authorities in Essex and replace them with bigger unitary councils, which will deliver most local services to their residents.

People can have their say between 25 June 2025 and 20 July 2025 by visiting a consultation page hosted by Southend-on-Sea City Council on behalf of the group of councils developing the proposal: https://shorturl.at/hapld.

Alternative formats are also available on request. You can ask for a paper version of the survey by calling 01702 215408 or by emailing consultations@southend.gov.uk.