A new Government consultation has been launched, inviting views on proposals to strengthen partnerships between emergency responders and voluntary, community, and faith-based organisations.
This consultation follows recommendations made by the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and considers whether there should be legislative changes to reinforce these vital partnerships. The goal is to ensure Category 1 emergency responders—such as Essex County Council—are better supported through effective collaboration with civil society during times of emergency.
The Government is actively seeking feedback from a wide range of organisations, including those involved in:
Community support and mutual aid
Faith and religious communities
Emergency planning and response
Social services and disability advocacy
Culture, education, youth programmes, and more
This is an important opportunity for organisations across Essex to shape future policy and ensure the essential role of the voluntary, community, and faith sectors is both recognised and strengthened.
We encourage members of the Essex Faith Covenant, voluntary and community sector (VCS) networks, and other relevant groups to review the consultation and consider responding.
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.
