Best4Essex – Our proposal for local government reorganisation
At a meeting of Full Council held on the 16 September 2025, Rochford District Council endorsed the Best4Essex Four unitary proposal as its choice to present to Government. You can see the details of this proposal through the links below.
Four different proposals for Local Government Reorganisation in Essex were submitted to Government on 26 September 2025, one of which was the Best4Essex proposal that has been led by Rochford District Council. The Government will shortly commence its own consultation on the proposals before making its decision on which new local government structure to put in place across Greater Essex.
Best4Essex is the proposal led by Rochford Council that proposes four unitary councils be created across Essex and is the only option that places Rochford district with Chelmsford borough, Brentwood borough and Maldon district.
View the Agenda for Council on Tuesday, 16 September, 2025, 7.30 pm
The Local Government Association has published FAQs so you can find answers about local government reorganisation (LGR) and devolution.
Read business cases, more information on how the changes will affect Essex and read news and FAQs.
You can also ask Rochford a question about LGR.
About LGR
LGR involves restructuring local authorities. The Government plans to replace the current two-tier system of district and county councils.
Timelines
Find out how the Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation are progressing and expected milestones.
