Major changes are planned to councils across Greater Essex as part of the largest reorganisation of local government in over 50 years and this week, Rochford District Council have launched a survey to gauge the views of residents on which areas of Essex they feel more aligned with.
The Government has asked councils in Essex to explore options for reducing the current number of local authorities and replacing the existing two-tier system (that comprises the County Council, borough, district and city councils) with fewer, larger unitary councils.
Currently, Greater Essex is served by 15 councils. These councils must reorganise to form new unitary authorities through Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). Within the next 3 years, all these councils will no longer exist, and new unitary councils will be created.
Councils in Essex have until 26 September 2025 to prepare and submit to Government final proposals for reorganisation in Greater Essex. They can do so on their own or in partnership with other Essex local councils. The Government will ultimately decide which local government reorganisation structure will be implemented across Greater Essex.
Rochford District Council must decide which proposal for reorganisation it wishes to support. To help us do this, we need to hear your views as residents of our District on how you feel about the proposals for change and what factors you would like us to consider in making our recommendation to Government.
This is your chance to tell us what you think, so please complete our online survey by 5pm on Monday 1 September 2025. Or you can request a paper copy of the survey by calling 01702 546366.
Councillor Danielle Belton, Leader of Rochford District Council, said: “It is our responsibility to look at all the possible options available for the Rochford District, and to support the best outcome for our residents and businesses.
“Our final decision does not need to be made until September, so we are leaving our final options open until we have some feedback from you – our community - on what configurations you would prefer – which districts and boroughs in greater Essex you feel more aligned with.
“Help us make informed decisions by taking part in our survey.”