Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
The English Devolution White Paper was published on 16 December 2024.
It outlines the Government’s intentions for devolution and local government reorganisation—aiming to devolve responsibilities from Whitehall to local areas and make local authority structures more efficient and accountable. It makes clear that their interest in devolution includes a directly elected mayor.
Councils were asked to write to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) by 10 January 2025 if they wished to proceed with devolution, reorganisation, and to request postponement of their 2025 local elections.
In Essex, a joint letter was submitted by the Leaders of Essex County Council, Southend-on-Sea City Council and Thurrock Council. All three councils held meetings during the week commencing 6 January 2025 to debate and vote on the proposal.
Proposal Agreed
- Commit to the devolution priority programme, with a mayoral county combined authority established in April 2026 and elections in May 2026
- Commit to local government reorganisation, with initial plans in spring and final plans by autumn 2025
- Request to postpone 2025 council elections for one year
On 5 February 2025, the government accepted Greater Essex onto the Devolution Priority Programme and approved the election postponement. The extension may last longer than one year.
The government also approved the councils’ request to explore local government reorganisation alongside devolution.
Devolution
The Government has confirmed that Greater Essex (Essex County Council, Southend-on-Sea City Council, and Thurrock Council) will take part in its Devolution Priority Programme.
Devolution is the transfer of powers and funding from national to local government, allowing decisions to be made closer to communities and businesses.
Watch the Devolution explainer video
Latest Updates
- 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
Local Government Association (LGA) Devolution Hub
Visit the LGA Devolution Hub for resources and the latest FAQs on devolution and reorganisation.
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Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
Devolution and LGR are different. LGR simplifies the number of councils by moving away from the two-tier system.
The Government believes reorganisation can help grow the economy and improve public services. All 15 councils in Essex may be replaced with fewer unitary councils. These new councils will deliver all local services, except police, fire, NHS, and parish councils.
Current Essex Councils
- Essex County Council
- Southend-on-Sea City Council (unitary)
- Thurrock Council (unitary)
- 12 city, borough, and district councils under the two-tier system
Read more in the Local Government Reorganisation FAQ.
What is the council doing now?
Interim proposals for LGR were submitted in March 2025. Feedback from government is available here.
The final structure of future councils is yet to be decided. Final business cases will be submitted to the government in September.
Meanwhile, services continue to be delivered across the City of Colchester.
Read the interim plan for local government reorganisation in Greater Essex.
Frequently Asked Questions
Read the latest FAQ from Essex County Council: Local Government Reorganisation
Have your say
A public consultation has been launched by Basildon, Brentwood, Castle Point, Chelmsford, Colchester, Maldon, Southend and Uttlesford councils to shape future unitary council proposals.
Take part in the consultation (open from 25 June to 20 July 2025)
Visit the consultation page hosted by Southend-on-Sea City Council: Your Say Southend – Local Government Reorganisation in Greater Essex
To request a paper survey, call 01702 215408 or email consultations@southend.gov.uk
Page last reviewed: 10 March 2025