Local Government Reorganisation
Local Government Reorganisation
Saffron Walden Town Council is sharing this information on behalf of Essex Local Government Reorganisation Hub:
Essex is a special place with a proud past and a bright future. To help Essex grow and do even better, we are proposing to make changes to how it is run. These changes will make things easier to understand and help decisions get made faster.
The government wants councils to be simpler, so it’s clear who is in charge of local services. This will help councils be more efficient and make councils work better.
Right now, Essex has two levels of councils – smaller ones like borough, city and district councils, and a county council, Essex County Council. Some places, like Thurrock and Southend-on-Sea, already have just one council that does everything. Some areas also have a town, parish or community council. This reorganisation process does not affect these very local councils.
Having two levels is confusing and costs more. We want to change to one level – called a unitary council – that does all the jobs in one area.
There are currently 15 councils in Essex. Some look after things like bins and parks. Others look after schools and care for children and older people. It’s hard to know who does what.
We want to make it easier for everyone – including local people, businesses, the NHS, and the police – to know who is in responsible for what and how we can work together to make Essex even better.
What the government wants to do
The government has written a plan called the English Devolution White Paper, which you can read on GOV.UK. It gives more power and money to mayors in England, so they can help make big decisions for their areas.
The plan also explains how local councils will be changed and improved. This will help local areas have more say in their future, make councils work better, and help people know who is responsible for services.
What is devolution?
Devolution means giving more power and money to local areas instead of the government making all the decisions. It means local councils can make choices about things like transport, housing, and jobs.
You can read more about devolution on the Essex County Council website.
Have your say
The government’s consultation is now open. It will run from 19 November until 11 January.
https://consult.communities.gov.uk/local-government-reorganisation/essex-southend-on-sea-thurrock/
The government is consulting on the four proposals put forward for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Greater Essex. You can read these at www.essexlgrhub.org/proposals
