THE new Unitary Council covering West Essex is announced in Parliament today as part of the wider project to create five new unitary councils across Essex.

Epping Forest, Harlow and Uttlesford district councils are to form a single new Unitary Council area in the biggest evolution of local government in Essex for over 50 years. As well as all the main services currently provided by the three district councils, the new Unitary Council will also deliver services currently provided by Essex County Council.

For clarity, no changes are envisaged for Town and Parish Councils.

Councillor Chris Whitbread, Leader of Epping Forest District Council said:

Epping Forest expressed a preference for three larger unitary councils in the consultation because it created strong, stable unitary councils across the whole of Essex. However, we have strong partnerships across Essex, particularly in the west of the county. Now we have certainty on the government’s direction of travel, we will start to build and expand those partnerships to deliver the best possible services for our residents and businesses as we move towards vesting day on 1 April 2028.

Unitary councils are the way forward, simplifying the complex structures that have previously confused our residents and complicated our delivery of services.

Our new Unitary has the potential to become a powerhouse for the region. As well as Stansted Airport and even greater links to the City and Central London, the combined areas of Harlow, Epping Forest and Uttlesford will create one of the strongest local government financial platforms in Essex.

What is more, with the strength and professionalism of our current workforce, the staff of Epping Forest District Council will be perfectly placed to lead the transition and maximise the opportunities the new Unitary Council will bring.

Elections for the shadow Unitary Council are scheduled for 6 May 2027 leading to Vesting Day (when current councils cease to exist and responsibilities transfer to the new Unitary Council) on 1 April 2028.