Essex May See Five New Authorities After Council Restructure

Essex councils might change soon. Many want to split the county. They want five new councils instead of fifteen. These would handle services like trash and roads. The government wants bigger councils and Essex might get five, each with 400,000 people.

They’d replace the current system, where new councils would run all services. Essex will also gain a mayor who will manage a combined authority. All council services will switch to new groups that don’t exist yet.

Councils will discuss changes and submit plans to the government. The plan covers how to improve services. Councils must consider it by March 21. Essex is in a government program that helps areas create unitary councils.

Unitary councils should improve public services; this covers the whole county. A council leader, David King, is happy to share the plan. It suggests how to reorganize the local government and mentions benefits for the region.

All fifteen councils worked on this plan, making it a big step for Essex’s future. Leaders worked together well and this cooperation will help make changes. Ten out of fifteen leaders agree on a plan. They think five councils are best for Essex and want to keep local connections. Some leaders are still undecided.

Each new council might have many residents, ranging from 320,000 to 500,000. Each council could have 60 to 90 members. This change is a rare chance.

Councils can build better structures which can help communities now and later. They want strong foundations for support. They see this as a journey. They want to work with the government to make sure Essex’s new model works.

It should help residents and businesses. Tendring Council shared the plan first on March 11. Other councils will share it soon too for their own meetings.