Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

Local Government Reorganisation

Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) are different.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) simplifies and reduces the number of councils across the country. The Government have set out plans to move away from the current two-tier system of district and county councils in England and believes reorganising and simplifying councils can help grow the economy while delivering better public services. 

All 15 councils in Essex will be replaced with five larger unitary councils. These new councils will be responsible for providing all local government services in their areas. The change will not affect police and fire and rescue services, NHS services or the work of very local Town and Parish councils.

At present, there are 15 councils in the Essex area:

  • Essex County Council
  • Southend-on-Sea City Council, a unitary council
  • Thurrock Council, a unitary council
  • 12 city, borough and district councils, which are currently in a 'two-tier' arrangement with Essex County Council.

The Greater Essex LGR Hub website is the best place to get the most up-to-date information and updates on Local Goverment Reorganisation in Greater Essex. 

Visit the Greater Essex LGR Hub website

Read the latest FAQ:

Local Government Association (LGA) Devolution Hub

Visit the LGA Devolution Hub to find further information and resources. This includes a list of regularly updated devolution and local government reorganisation FAQs. 

What is the council doing now?

The initial interim proposals for LGR were submitted to Government in March. You can read the feedback that has been provided by government on these interim proposals. 

Four unitary proposals for what LGR could look like for Greater Essex were submitted to Government in September. Information on the proposals can be found on the Greater Essex LGR Hub. 

We have shown support for the 3 unitary council proposal. There are other proposals for 3,4 and 5 unitary councils. Under the 5-council model, Braintree would form a unitary with Colchester, Tendring and Uttlesford, alongside Essex.  

The government consulted on the four proposals which closed Sunday 11 January 2026. 

We have submitted our response to the consultation which can be read here. This forms the comments shared at our Full Council debate in September 2025. 

The Government confirmed on 25 March 2026 that five new unitary authorities will be created in Greater Essex. More about the decision can be found on the LGR Hub. New unitary councils are planned to go live in April 2028.

During the process our focus remains on delivering essential services across the whole of the Braintree district.

Read the interim plan for local government reorganisation in Greater Essex.

Keep up to date

Keep in touch with our latest news and service updates.

Sign up for email updates