UTTLESFORD District Council will consider a proposal for the future of Essex councils which could see the county made up of five new unitary authorities from April 2028.

The government has required councils to submit local government reorganisation proposals by 26 September that would abolish the current 15 Essex councils and replace them with new unitary councils.

The ‘five unitary’ proposal, which is backed by the majority of Essex councils, sets out a future in which Essex has five local authorities. This option has been developed by Uttlesford in partnership with nine other councils, with strong support from a significant number of Essex MPs, and shaped by public consultation with over 7,000 residents contributing their views.

Under the five-unitary model, Uttlesford would join with its nearest neighbours, Harlow and Epping Forest, to form a new West Essex Council.

There are three other proposals, including a three-unitary model being proposed by Essex County Council, which would place Uttlesford in a much bigger new area.

Cllr Petrina Lees, Leader of Uttlesford District Council, said: “Local government is going through its most significant transformation in half a century, and this marks a pivotal moment for both Uttlesford and Essex.

“We’ve been working closely with councils across the county to shape a future that works for our communities. Our priority has always been to ensure Uttlesford residents continue to receive high-quality services from a council that stays rooted in local life.

“That is why we have been actively considering the five-unitary model, which I believe offers the strongest path forward for Uttlesford. It protects what matters most to our communities. Larger unitary authorities risk becoming too distant and disconnected. Smaller councils, on the other hand, amplify local voices, keep our towns and villages linked, and can still deliver services that are dependable and sustainable.”

The proposals for five-unitary authorities and the other options for local government reorganisation in Greater Essex will be discussed at a special meeting of Scrutiny Committee on 22 September and then Council on 23 September before a final decision by Cabinet, also on 23 September.

Adecision on the future structure of Essex is anticipated to be made by government next year, and any changes would start to be implemented in 2027 at the earliest with a starting date for the new unitary councils of 1 April 2028.

Read the full proposal on the Essex LGR Hub: www.essexlgrhub.org/proposals