Government confirms five new councils for Greater Essex

The creation of five unitary councils - West Essex Council, North East Essex Council, Mid Essex Council, South West Essex Council and South East Essex Council - means that from April 2028, these unitary authorities will replace the current 15 councils across Greater Essex, who will have responsibility for delivering all services in one area including waste collections, planning, adult social care, highways, children’s services and more.  

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.  

Government has also confirmed their commitment to repayment in-principle of £200m of Thurrock Council debt.

There remains commitment to continuing the work all councils and partners across Greater Essex have started on shaping how local services are delivered in the future and achieving the benefits LGR will bring - saving money, simplifying how people access services, strengthening local communities and delivering better outcomes for residents and businesses.  

The new unitary authorities do not go live until April 2028. Nothing  will change until that date. Throughout this period, councils will continue to deliver vital services and support communities as normal while this work progresses, whilst ensuring a smooth and well managed transition.   

Councils are committed to communicating openly and clearly as plans develop, and to keeping people informed at every stage as it moves towards the new authorities.  

Elections for the new shadow unitary authorities in Greater Essex are scheduled for May 2027, with new authorities expected to become operational in April 2028.  

The latest updates and information about local government reorganisation in Greater Essex is available on the council’s joint LGR Hub.