THE Government has confirmed that proposals supported by all Essex councils on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) will be put forward for public consultation.

Government has reviewed all four proposals against set evaluation criteria and has confirmed they are inviting residents’ views on all of them.

This decision reflects each council’s desire to realise the significant benefits LGR will bring to Greater Essex and the joint working that’s gone into developing each proposal.

Essex County Council support a move to three unitary councils.

An Essex Council spokesperson said: “The proposal recommends moving from 15 councils to a streamlined and sustainable model of three new unitary councils.

The three-unitary model because it offers the most sustainable foundation for long-term investment in Greater Essex services, communities and residents.

The difference, for example, between our three unitary proposal and a five unitary proposal is in excess of £400m over 10 years in LGR savings alone.

“The proposal followed months of dedicated collaboration, thorough evidence-gathering and intensive engagement with colleagues, partners and local businesses”.

Councillor Kevin Bentley, Leader of Essex County Council, said: “This is a proud moment for Greater Essex. The Government’s decision to move forward with public consultation is a clear vote of confidence in our vision and the incredibly focused work behind each proposal.

“We are one step closer to creating a more effective, empowered and community-focused local government system, and we look forward to hearing what people think about our proposal for the first time.”

Public consultation 

The Government’s consultation opens today, 19 November 2025, and closes on 11 January 2026. It is providing residents, businesses, partners and those working in Greater Essex the opportunity to have their say on the four LGR proposals put forward for Greater Essex.

It is important that every voice is heard and that the final model reflects the needs and aspirations of the county’s diverse communities.

The Government is expected to decide on the final model for Greater Essex early next year.

Find more information about LGR in Greater Essex: https://www.essexlgrhub.org/stronger-greater-essex

Read all the LGR proposals for Greater Essex submitted to the Government: https://www.essexlgrhub.org/proposals

Read a summary of ‘Three new councils, one bright future’: https://www.essex.gov.uk/about-council/plans-and-strategies/our-vision-essex/three-new-councils-one-bright-future

Take part in the Government’s consultation: https://www.essexlgrhub.org/have-your-say