The National Centre for Social (NatCen) research was commissioned to gather views from residents and businesses.
A major research project exploring local people’s views on Local Government Reform (LGR) in Greater Essex has been published.
The research, conducted by The National Centre for Social Research (NatCen), was commissioned by Essex County Council on behalf of the 15 councils across Greater Essex.
The findings, drawn from both a large-scale survey and in-depth qualitative engagement, will help shape future decisions on how local services are delivered.
The government is proposing to replace Essex’s current two-tier system of local government with a model of unitary authorities. The aim is to improve efficiency, simplify structures, and enhance service delivery.
To inform this process, NatCen engaged with over 1,400 residents through a representative survey. They also held workshops and focus groups with diverse communities across the county.
Results of the research will be used to inform the development of business cases for how new unitary authorities in Essex will be made up.
Key findings of the research piece include:
Awareness and attitudes
- awareness of suggested changes to local government in Essex was generally low, with older residents (19%) being more likely to know a great deal about the proposals
- despite this, a majority supported LGR, particularly if it led to better services (85%) or clearer accountability (76%).
Service priorities and financial considerations
- the top aspect of how residents wanted their local council to be run was having services that were good value for money, with 30% reporting it as the most important part
- over half of residents wanted to prioritise ensuring public funds are spent efficiently (52%), followed by improving service quality (45%) and clear accountability (45%)
- qualitative participants echoed these views, ranking improved public services as the most important outcome of LGR
Local decision-making and participation
- residents overwhelmingly support decisions being made at a more local level (85%) and want to be involved in local decision making if it led to improved services (68%). However, only a third of respondents saw active involvement in decision making as a priority
- only 38.3% supported improvements if it means decisions are made at a less local level
Civic engagement patterns
- most residents have voted in council elections (82%) with the strongest motivation being civic duty (35%)
- residents prefer voting in local elections (53%) and giving feedback on services (42%), with older residents preferring voting and younger residents preferring giving feedback
- impact visibility is crucial for motivation, with half of residents (51%) saying they would engage more if they knew their views would be listened to and make a difference
The research did not suggest, or seek residents’ views on, specific LGR proposals for how unitaries would be configured.
Cllr Graham Butland, Chair of the Essex Leaders and Chief Executives Group, said: “This research gives us an insight into what matters most to the people of Greater Essex as we consider the future of local government in the county.”
Cllr David King, Vice-Chair of the Essex Leaders and Chief Executives Group, said: “It is good to see resident support for change, done well. They have told us clearly that improving public services, ensuring transparency, and local decision making must be at the heart of any reorganisation. Their voices will be heard as we look to shape a system that sets Essex up for a bright future.”
View the full research here.
Find out more about Local Government Reorganisation in Essex at: https://essexlgrhub.org