Have your say on new councils in Essex by Sunday 11 January

Residents, businesses, and other organisations have until 11:59pm on Sunday 11 January to have their say on future councils in Essex.

The Government wants to replace the current two-tier system of county and district-level councils with unitary authorities that deliver most services instead.

Different options submitted to Government

Over the last few weeks, the Government has been consulting on four proposals submitted by Essex councils, which set out different options for reorganising local government in the county. These include:

• a proposal for five unitary councils put forward by ten Essex councils, including Chelmsford City Council. This model would see Chelmsford join up with Maldon and Brentwood.
• an option for four new unitary councils proposed by Thurrock Council. This would join Chelmsford with Braintree and Uttlesford.
• a different four-council model put forward by Rochford District Council. In this configuration, Chelmsford would create a new council with Rochford, Maldon and Brentwood.
• a plan for three unitary councils submitted by Essex County Council and two district councils. In this option, Chelmsford would join Maldon, Brentwood, Epping and Harlow.

Four different proposals have been submitted to the Government. Each option would also include part of Essex County Council's services.

Chelmsford backs the five-council proposal

Chelmsford City Council has submitted its response to the Government’s consultation, backing the option for five new unitaries. Council Leader, Cllr Stephen Robinson, is urging Chelmsford residents, businesses and voluntary groups to have their say before Sunday’s deadline.

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“This reorganisation is one of the biggest and most significant changes to local government in decades. Our view is that a five-unitary authority model strikes the best balance between keeping strong local identities, democratic accountability, quality services and financial sustainability.

"This is your chance to tell the Government what you think about the different options on the table. Don’t miss your chance to make your voice heard.”

Councillor Stephen Robinson, Leader of Chelmsford City Council

Read the proposals and take part

Once the consultation ends on Sunday 11 January, the Government will consider the comments made before choosing which proposal will go forward. 

A decision about this expected in March. All of the four proposals, including summaries, are available on the joint LGR hub.