Councils in Essex are Changing
Posted on: July 5, 2025
Major changes are planned to councils across Greater Essex as part of the largest reorganisation of local government in over 50 years.
The Government is requiring 21 areas of England to restructure and this includes Chelmsford. In Essex, there are nearly 1.9m people, currently served by 15 councils. These must reorganise to form a smaller number of new unitary authorities.
Public consultation launched
Right now, Essex councils are developing various different proposals about how all this could work. A public consultation to give people a chance to have their say has just been launched by one proposal to guide their vision for new unitary councils across Greater Essex.
The ‘5’ Council Proposal
A group of councils, including Basildon, Brentwood, Castle Point, Chelmsford, Colchester, Maldon, Southend and Uttlesford is developing a proposal for 5 future unitary authorities in Greater Essex, each centred around a major town or city. For residents of Chelmsford, this would mean a new unitary authority covering its existing city council area, combined with Brentwood and Maldon.
Your feedback matters
This isn’t the only proposal. Some councils are working on other recommendations for fewer than 5 councils, most of which would serve bigger areas across Essex.
Chelmsford City Council is backing the 5 council option and your feedback is needed to shape this proposal before it’s sent to the Government in late September.
Have your say
Businesses can have their say until 20 July 2025 by visiting a consultation page hosted by Southend-on-Sea City Council on behalf of the group of councils developing the ‘5 council’ proposal.
Alternative formats are also available on request. You can ask for a paper version of the survey by calling 01702 215408 or by emailing consultations@southend.gov.uk.
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