Last week the Government announced a public consultation on four proposals for new unitary councils in Greater Essex. In future, these will replace the current two-tier system, where services are delivered by district and county councils. Town and parish councils are not directly affected.
This is a significant moment for all, not just the Braintree district but Greater Essex. The fact that all four proposals which were submitted to the Government earlier this year are going out to public consultation shows the confidence the Government has in our collective ability to deliver real, positive change.
It’s also testament to the close collaboration between councils during the development of the proposals and the shared commitment to creating a more effective, responsive and empowered local government with the voices of our communities at the heart of it.
The Government’s consultation on all four proposals is now open and will run until Sunday 11 January 2026. Have a look at the four proposals by visiting this website: essexlgrhub.org/proposals and follow the link in the big green banner to have your say.
Responses can also be shared via email to: LGRconsultationresponse@communities.gov.uk or by post to: LGR Consultation, Fry Building 2NE, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, 2 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DF.