Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) for Southend-on-Sea

Why is devolution and LGR being proposed?

The Government believes that devolution over a large area, at the same time as LGR, can boost the economy and deliver better public services.

They think that simpler local government structures will:

• make it easier for residents to know who delivers their services
• make it easier for residents to know who deals with local issues
• result in better services for the local community

How is LGR different to devolution?

LGR aims to simplify and reduce the number of councils across the country. It will create fewer, larger unitary councils, which means:

• a more streamlined and effective system
• better value for money

Unitary councils are responsible for all council services in an area. We are an example of a small unitary council.

Devolution is about transferring powers and funding from government to local areas. This gives them powers and funding that they don't currently have.

What is Greater Essex?

Greater Essex refers to the combined area represented by:

• Essex County Council,
• Southend-on-Sea City Council, and
• Thurrock Council

What would LGR mean for Southend?

In Southend-on-Sea, the same council services would still be provided, but by a new South East Essex unitary authority. This new council covers a wider area than just Southend-on-Sea. It is one of five incoming authorities in Greater Essex, replacing the current county council, the two unitary councils, and the twelve district councils. The new authority is expected to go live on in Spring 2028 whilst Southend-on-Sea City Council is simultaneously abolished.

Will LGR impact our local elections?

We have an electoral cycle of elections-by-thirds. This is where a third of the councillors are elected every year for three years, with no elections in the 4th year.

Being part of the Devolution Priority Programme does not change our electoral cycle.

We have not asked to postpone any of Southend's planned local elections.

Local elections planned for 2026 remain unaffected.

The elections to the incoming South East Essex council, are expected in May 2027.

What's our timeline for LGR?

Elections for the new South East Essex council will take place in May 2027. After the elections, a shadow council will be set up. A shadow council is a temporary body made up of the newly elected councillors. Its role is to:

• prepare for the official launch of the new council
• prepare budgets, policies, and governance arrangements
• ensure everything is ready for the transfer of services from Spring 2028

Until Spring 2028, all day-to-day services in Southend will continue to be run by Southend-on-Sea City Council.

After Spring 2028, the new South East Essex council will begin to align services, systems and ways of working. This won't happen all at once. Instead, they will introduce changes gradually over time to make sure they are:

• well planned
• practical
• easy for residents to adapt to

Behind the scenes, some services may be brought together sooner to improve efficiency and create a smoother experience overall.

Our focus is to ensure that everyone continues to receive the services and support they rely on, without disruption. This includes residents, businesses and communities. You'll still be able to access local offices, community hubs, libraries and online services in the same way you do now.

If any future changes affect how you access a service, these will be consulted on in the usual way.

What stage are we at with LGR?

On 25 March 2026, the government chose the model for five new unitary authorities for Greater Essex.

The Government decision, is still subject to parliamentary approval, but as councils from across Essex, we remain committed to working together to achieve the benefits we know local government reorganisation will bring.

We have already started working with colleagues across Essex on shaping how local services are delivered in the future.

This will now mean that we will work with Castle Point Borough Council, and Rochford District Council to form a new, unitary council in South East Essex. The services from Essex County Council covering Castle Point and Rochford will also be disaggregated into the new council. South East Essex is not expected to go live until April 2028, with shadow elections scheduled for next May (2027).

It is important to say that very little in Southend will change until April 2028, with the vital services our residents need continuing to be delivered.

Won't creating new councils create confusion about who is responsible for what?

Creating new councils is designed to make responsibilities clearer, not more confusing, by using recognisable electoral boundaries as the basis for the new authorities, allowing residents to understand who is accountable if they need to raise an issue about a service they are using. Alongside this, area committees and locally rooted community networks will reflect the unique cultural identity of each place, giving residents a stronger voice and ensuring that local priorities are heard and acted upon throughout the transition.

Who has agreed that LGR will happen in Southend?

Following a decision by our Cabinet members on 9 January 2025, a letter from the leaders of Southend-on-Sea City Council, Essex County Council and Thurrock Council was sent to Jim McMahon OBE MP, former Minister for Local Government and English Devolution. The letter was to request that we all be included in the Devolution Priority Programme. This followed an extraordinary meeting on 8 January 2025, when the idea to write the letter was considered and supported by our Full Council.

The Government announced on 5 February 2025 that Greater Essex had been accepted onto the Devolution Priority Programme.

On 15 September 2025, our cabinet members endorsed the five unitary authority LGR proposal, which was then submitted to government on 26 September 2025.

On 25 March 2026, the Government confirmed its preference for five new councils for Greater Essex.

Do residents have a say in this?

The government launched a public consultation on the LGR proposals in November 2025. This consultation was open to all residents in Southend and across wider Essex.

In addition, we ran a public consultation on the five unitary proposal between 25 June and 20 July 2025. The consultation was open to all residents in Southend and across wider Essex. The consultation was promoted by all councils in Essex, including Southend-on-Sea City Council

Will Southend still be a city after LGR?

Yes, Southend's City status will be protected. There are several things we can do to keep our city status and ceremonial mayor. We will explore them all.

What will happen to Southend-on-Sea's ceremonial Mayor?

They will continue to carry out their role as normal. Throughout the processes of LGR and devolution and afterwards, there are legal measures available that will allow us to preserve both our city status and the role of our ceremonial mayor.

How will the council's services be delivered in the future?

Southend-on-Sea City Council will continue to deliver on its commitment to provide vital services for Southend residents.

We will work to ensure a smooth and stable handover to the successor authority that minimises impacts on residents. The South East Essex authority will become responsible for council services on Spring 2028, when Southend-on-Sea City Council is abolished.

Where will the new South East Essex council be located?

No decisions have been made on the locations at this time. We will update you when we know more.

How will we keep you informed about LGR?

We will keep you informed about the latest changes from LGR through our website and social media platforms. If you have any more questions or comments you can send us an email.