LOCAL government in Greater Essex could be changing – and a new website has been launched to help residents, businesses and stakeholders stay informed and involved.

Leaders and chief executives from councils across Essex, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock have come together to launch essexlgrhub.org, a central, impartial platform dedicated to providing clear, accessible information about the future of local government in Greater Essex.

By 2028, the number and shape of councils operating across the region may look very different. The UK government is encouraging councils to simplify how they work, aiming to grow the economy and ensure communities are closer to decision-making.

What’s on essexlgrhub.org

The new website offers:

An overview of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Greater Essex
A short explainer video
The government’s aims for LGR
Latest news and updates
Frequently asked questions
Councils are currently developing business cases that explore options for unitary arrangements as part of local government reorganisation (LGR). These will be made available in both full and summary formats as they are finalised

Throughout September, councils across Greater Essex will take the business cases through their own governance processes. Final submissions to the government are expected by 26 September 2025. Following this, the government with run a public consultation, which is anticipated in the autumn, with a recommendation to the Minister on a final proposal expected in March 2026.

Making sure the people of Essex are informed
“Councils across Essex are committed to supporting and promoting essexlgrhub.org as a comprehensive source of information related to local government reorganisation.

“We want to ensure that every resident and business has access to the information they need to understand what’s happening, and to have their say when the government consultation is launched. This is about making sure the people of Essex are informed, empowered, and part of shaping the future of their local services.”

Councillor Graham Butland, Chair of the Essex Leaders and Chief Executives Group
Shaping the future of local services
“LGR represents the biggest shake up in local government in decades. By bringing clear and impartial information together in one website, the councils of greater Essex hope everyone will have a better understanding of the opportunities LGR presents as well as the information to participate and engage in shaping the future of local services that matter most.”

Councillor Chris Whitbread, Leader of Epping Forest District Council Vice Chair of the Essex Leaders and Chief Executives Group
Visit essexlgrhub.org
We encourage everyone to visit essexlgrhub.org to stay informed and get involved in the consultation when it launches in the autumn – helping to shape the future of local government in Greater Essex