Latest information and updates relating to Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation in Greater Essex.
The English Devolution White Paper sets out a wide range of proposals and plans which include proposals on devolution and Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).
The Government has confirmed Greater Essex (the combined area represented by Essex County Council, Southend-on-Sea City Council, and Thurrock Council) will be part of its Devolution Priority Programme.
This includes a commitment to explore Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) alongside devolution.
The government has also confirmed that the elections scheduled for May 2025 for Essex County Council will be suspended.
More details will be published on our website in the future.
What is Devolution?
In England, devolution is the transfer of powers and funding from national to local government. It is important because it ensures that decisions are made closer to local people, communities and businesses.
Devolution Priority Programme
The government are now consulting on the Devolution Priority Programme and devolution for Greater Essex until 11:59pm on 13 April.
You can find out more and comment on this online.
Read the latest FAQ from Essex County Council:
Read the latest news from Essex County Council:
- 9 April 2025 - Devolution proposals a ‘huge opportunity’ to give power to Essex residents
- 17 February 2025 - Greater Essex devolution consultation now live
- 5 February 2025 – Essex councils accepted onto Devolution Priority Programme
What is LGR?
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), is the process in which the structure and responsibilities of local authorities are reconfigured. The Government have set out plans to move away from the current two-tier system of district and county councils in England. This means all 15 councils in Essex would be replaced with a number of unitary councils.
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.
At this stage, there is no confirmation of how many councils there will be in the future. Along with partners, we will be gathering evidence to inform the final business cases. These will be shared with government in September.
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.
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