We recently shared our proposal for local government reorganisation (LGR) in Greater Essex. This sets out how we believe LGR can transform local council structures, enable us to work more efficiently and reduce duplication.
Our proposed model – based on three unitary councils - strikes the right balance: it would mean councils are large enough to deliver essential services like waste collection, libraries and social care effectively, but also ensure they are local enough to stay connected to the areas they serve.
Because this isn’t just about changing structures, it’s about evolving how we empower and support people and communities.
Our proposal is built on a simple but powerful idea: local government should be more local. We’ve also listened to residents and their message is clear – they want decisions made closer to home and want to be part of shaping those decisions.
A three-council model allows us to do just that. By moving away from the current two-tier system, we can build a new way of working that puts localism at the heart of everything we do. These new councils won’t just deliver services – they’ll enable communities to help shape them.
We know from research that people feel most pride in the area where they live – whether it’s a city, town or village – and that their connection to their local neighbourhood matters most. But right now, many feel disconnected from the decisions that affect their lives. Only 21% of residents feel they can influence local decisions, even though more than half say it’s important to them.
That has to change.
Our proposed model will support community-led action through neighbourhood delivery committees, giving residents more say in how services are run and how their areas develop. We’ll invest in community engagement programmes and ensure councils are visible and accessible in the places they serve. We must look to devolve power to neighbourhoods in a way that nurtures and ignites community action.
Each new council will be equipped with the tools, culture and leadership needed to support local decision-making from day one. By reducing fragmentation and focusing on hyper-local working, we’ll build on what already works well – and make it even better.
This is our chance to build a system that respects people’s right to shape their own lives and neighbourhoods. The three-council model will help us unlock the power of our communities – and use it to improve services, outcomes and quality of life across Greater Essex.
We need to seize this opportunity to put power where it belongs: in the hands of local people.
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