Colchester City Council will debate emerging proposals for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Essex at its Full Council meeting on Wednesday 17 September.
The debate will provide councillors with the opportunity to share their views on four proposed models for creating new unitary councils in Essex. Each proposal presents a different vision for how local government could be reshaped to better serve communities across the county.
Three of the four proposals involve Colchester forming a new unitary authority with Tendring and Braintree. One of the proposals, led by Essex County Council, adds Uttlesford to this grouping. Another alternative suggests a unitary council combining Colchester, Tendring, and Maldon.
Colchester’s current preferred option remains the Proposal for Growth: Five New Unitary Councils for Essex. This model is supported by most councils across Essex, endorsed by Colchester’s Cabinet, and has received cross-party support in principle from Colchester councillors. It places strong emphasis on local identity, community voice, and place-based decision-making.
Under this proposal, Colchester would join with its nearest neighbours, Braintree and Tendring, to form a new unitary authority, alongside services currently delivered by Essex County Council.
As the LGR process progresses, Colchester City Council is committed to ensuring that the views of residents remain central to decision-making. Regular feedback sessions are being held with both the Council’s Resident Panel and Youth Resident Panel, providing valuable insight into community priorities and concerns. These sessions help ensure local voices are heard and considered in the development of future governance arrangements.
Following the Full Council meeting, the Leader of Colchester City Council, Cllr David King, will consider the outcome of the debate and seek further cross-party advice if needed before confirming Colchester’s final position.
Cllr David King, Leader of Colchester City Council, said: “This is an important moment for Colchester and for Essex. Local Government Reorganisation was not sought by Colchester, given the costs and disruption these changes will bring.
But we have played a constructive role, recognising the opportunities it may bring.
“Working with partners across Essex we have contributed to different proposals encouraging others to do likewise and to share their data and understandings, mindful we will need to work together after the government has made its decision, to shape a future that works better for our communities.
“The current preferred five unitary council option provides a financially viable way ahead, that puts people and place at the heart of decision-making. But I look forward to hearing the views of councillors before making a final decision, in the best interests of Colchester residents.”
In the meantime, Colchester continues to work closely with neighbouring authorities, Braintree and Tendring and Essex County Council, as well as other councils across Essex, regardless of their proposal preferences, to explore the best outcomes for residents, businesses, and communities in North Essex.
All four proposals will be published throughout September on the Essex LGR Hub at essexlgrhub.org, where residents and stakeholders can access detailed information, frequently asked questions, and updates.
The next step in the process will see the proposals submitted to Government on Friday 26 September for its consideration. The Government is expected to consult on the proposals later this year, with final decisions anticipated in early 2026.
The debate will provide councillors with the opportunity to share their views on four proposed models for creating new unitary councils in Essex. Each proposal presents a different vision for how local government could be reshaped to better serve communities across the county.
Three of the four proposals involve Colchester forming a new unitary authority with Tendring and Braintree. One of the proposals, led by Essex County Council, adds Uttlesford to this grouping. Another alternative suggests a unitary council combining Colchester, Tendring, and Maldon.
Colchester’s current preferred option remains the Proposal for Growth: Five New Unitary Councils for Essex. This model is supported by most councils across Essex, endorsed by Colchester’s Cabinet, and has received cross-party support in principle from Colchester councillors. It places strong emphasis on local identity, community voice, and place-based decision-making.
Under this proposal, Colchester would join with its nearest neighbours, Braintree and Tendring, to form a new unitary authority, alongside services currently delivered by Essex County Council.
As the LGR process progresses, Colchester City Council is committed to ensuring that the views of residents remain central to decision-making. Regular feedback sessions are being held with both the Council’s Resident Panel and Youth Resident Panel, providing valuable insight into community priorities and concerns. These sessions help ensure local voices are heard and considered in the development of future governance arrangements.
Following the Full Council meeting, the Leader of Colchester City Council, Cllr David King, will consider the outcome of the debate and seek further cross-party advice if needed before confirming Colchester’s final position.
Cllr David King, Leader of Colchester City Council, said: “This is an important moment for Colchester and for Essex. Local Government Reorganisation was not sought by Colchester, given the costs and disruption these changes will bring.
But we have played a constructive role, recognising the opportunities it may bring.
“Working with partners across Essex we have contributed to different proposals encouraging others to do likewise and to share their data and understandings, mindful we will need to work together after the government has made its decision, to shape a future that works better for our communities.
“The current preferred five unitary council option provides a financially viable way ahead, that puts people and place at the heart of decision-making. But I look forward to hearing the views of councillors before making a final decision, in the best interests of Colchester residents.”
In the meantime, Colchester continues to work closely with neighbouring authorities, Braintree and Tendring and Essex County Council, as well as other councils across Essex, regardless of their proposal preferences, to explore the best outcomes for residents, businesses, and communities in North Essex.
All four proposals will be published throughout September on the Essex LGR Hub at essexlgrhub.org, where residents and stakeholders can access detailed information, frequently asked questions, and updates.
The next step in the process will see the proposals submitted to Government on Friday 26 September for its consideration. The Government is expected to consult on the proposals later this year, with final decisions anticipated in early 2026.
Page last reviewed: 10 September 2025