Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
Devolution is different from Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). LGR is the government’s long-term vision for simpler council structures, which make it clear who is responsible for services.
You can find out more about Local Government Reorganisation on essex.gov.uk.
To help deliver these aims, the government will facilitate LGR in England for two-tier areas (for example, those with county and district councils) such as Essex.
This would see all 15 councils in Essex (including ECC, Southend and Thurrock) replaced with a number of unitary authorities who are responsible for all local authority services in their area.
While we can have LGR without devolution, the government is encouraging both to take place. It has stated reorganisation should not delay devolution, but local plans should be complementary, with devolution remaining the overarching priority. As a council, ECC has always been clear on its commitment to devolution and remains so.
As far as LGR is concerned, we have also committed to reorganisation. We have:
- confirmed a preference for three unitary councils in Greater Essex and shared a map of how three brand-new unitary councils could replace the 15 current local authorities across Greater Essex
- offered the government a high-level, outline view of the options we are considering for Greater Essex
The deadline for LGR business cases to be submitted to the government is September 2025. Timelines for the remainder of the LGR process are subject to the proposals received. However, elections to shadow authorities could be expected in May 2027 following the 2026 consultation, with new unitaries going live in April 2028.
Beyond this, the earliest we would anticipate elections for ‘shadow’ councils would take place would be May 2027, with the councils starting work on 1 April 2028.
It's our understanding that regardless of the number of unitary authorities, they will go live on 1 April 2028 so nothing will change for employees until that date. We need to carry on delivering the vital services our residents need.
Essex local authorities have already commissioned work from consultants Grant Thornton to refresh the evidence base developed in 2020 covering things such as the demographics and finances of the existing councils, so any new proposals will take into account a range of different factors.