Local Government: Reorganisation
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to his Department's oral statement of 18 December 2025 on Local Government Reorganisation, whether he plans to consider Greater Essex’s 5-council model.
Answered by Alison McGovern
The consultation on four final proposals submitted by councils in Essex, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock, including a proposal for a five-unitary council model, closed on 11 January 2026.
The Government will now assess these four proposals against the criteria set out in the invitation and will decide, subject to parliamentary approval, which, if any, proposal is to be implemented, with or without modification. In taking these decisions, we will have regard to all the representations received, including those from the consultation, and all other relevant information available.
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