Devolution and LGR
What is Devolution?
Devolution is the decentralisation of powers, decision making and funding away from central Government to local democratically elected and accountable bodies elsewhere in England, enabling decisions to be made closer to the communities they affect.
In Greater Essex (Essex County Council, Southend-on-Sea City Council and Thurrock Council), devolution will establish a new strategic authority covering ECC, Southend and Thurrock. The Government confirmed in July 2025 that Greater Essex had met the legal requirements to proceed with devolution and establish a Mayoral Combined County Authority (MCCA). The Government subsequently announced that mayoral elections for new strategic authorities, including Greater Essex, will take place in May 2028.
What is Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)?
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) is the process of simplifying local government structures by replacing existing county, district, borough and smaller unitary councils with a smaller number of larger unitary authorities responsible for all local government services in their area.
Greater Essex currently operates through 15 councils: Essex County Council, Southend-on-Sea City Council, Thurrock Council and the 12 city, borough and district councils. Following the submission of four proposals and a statutory public consultation, the Government confirmed in March 2026 its preferred option of a five unitary authority model across Greater Essex.
From 1 April 2028, five unitary councils will replace:
- Upper tier 1
- Essex County Council
- Lower tier 2
- Unitary councils (Southend and Thurrock)
- City councils (Chelmsford, Colchester)
- Borough councils (Basildon, Brentwood, Castle Point)
- District councils (Braintree, Epping Forest, Harlow, Maldon, Rochford, Tendring and Uttlesford).
In June 2026, Essex County Council confirmed its intention to seek a Judicial Review of the Government's decision of a five unitary authority model. While this introduces additional uncertainty into the wider context and timetable, there are currently no changes to existing organisational structures, governance arrangements or service delivery. The planning and preparation for LGR continues across Essex County Council and Greater Essex.
When will Devolution and LGR take place?
Key milestones currently include:
How will providers be affected?
At present, existing contracts and commissioning arrangements continue as normal.
As plans for both devolution and local government reorganisation progress, councils across Greater Essex will work closely with providers, partners and suppliers to understand any impacts on contracts, commissioning, procurement and service delivery arrangements. Further information will be shared as decisions are made and implementation plans are developed.
Find out more
For the latest information on both devolution and local government reorganisation in Greater Essex, including proposal documents, consultation information, frequently asked questions and programme updates, visit the Greater Essex Local Government Reorganisation Hub and the Government's Devolution webpage.