Residents, businesses and local organisations are being asked to share their views on the future of councils in Essex.

A public consultation to give people a chance to have their say has been launched by a number of authorities to guide their proposed vision for new unitary councils across Greater Essex.

The group, which includes Basildon, Brentwood, Castle Point, Chelmsford, Colchester, Maldon, Southend and Uttlesford, is developing a proposal for five new future councils.

As part of the Government's devolution agenda aimed at streamlining local governance, the Government has asked councils in the area to propose options to reduce the current number of local authorities in Essex and replace them with bigger unitary councils, which will deliver most local services to their residents.

Earlier this year, Essex councils sent an interim proposal to the Government, which indicated some councils had a preference for five new unitary councils, each based around the largest towns and cities in Essex.

In the recent 'five council' plans, Maldon District Council would be united with neighbouring Chelmsford City Council, as well as Brentwood Borough Council.

Councillor Richard Siddall, Leader of Maldon District Council, said: "By 2028, district councils will cease to exist in Essex.

"We need to make sure that the new, larger unitary councils engage with local communities, provide excellent services, and ensure that place identity is maintained. 

"Maldon is a beautiful coastal and rural district that needs investment in health and transport services.

"It's important that residents take part in the Five Council survey to help government to decide how many unitary councils are needed to serve our communities."

The four other councils would be made up of the following neighbouring authorities:

1. Harlow Council, Epping Forest District Council, Uttlesford District Council
2. Colchester City Council, Braintree District Council, Tendring District Council
3. Basildon Borough Council, Thurrock Council
4. Southend-on-Sea City Council, Castle Point Borough Council, Rochford District Council

The 'five council' group is asking for residents to share their views, which will help shape the final proposal over the summer. 

Once the survey has ended, the councils will use the feedback gathered to refine their bid before submitting a final proposal at the end of September.

The Government will then consider all the submissions it receives, before deciding how councils should be structured in Essex. New councils are planned to be in place from April 2028.

Chair of the 'five councils' group, Southend-on-Sea City Council Leader Cllr Daniel Cowan, is urging people to share their views at a critical time for local services: "Essex is a fantastic place, proud of its transparent and genuine spirit.

"We're now facing the biggest change in local government in 50 years, and your voice matters more than ever.

"We can't shape a proposal without first listening to what you have to say.

"Our vision is for five stronger, more resilient councils that still feel rooted in the communities they serve - places that feel like home. But we won't make any final decisions without hearing directly from the people we represent.

"This consultation is your chance to tell us what matters most to you, your family, or your business - wherever you live in Essex. It only takes around ten minutes to complete the survey, but your input could help shape the future of local services for generations to come."

People can have their say between 25 June 2025 and 20 July 2025 by visiting https://shorturl.at/hapld 

Alternative formats are also available on request. You can ask for a paper version of the survey by calling 01702 215408 or by emailing [email protected].