BASILDON Council welcomes the Government’s decision to proceed with a five unitary authority model for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) across Greater Essex, subject to parliamentary approval.
The creation of five unitary councils will see the current 15 councils replaced by new authorities from April 2028, each responsible for delivering the full range of local government services, including waste collection, planning, adult social care, highways and children’s services.
This model supports simpler, more accountable local government, making it easier for residents to access services while ensuring decisions are taken closer to the communities they affect.
Basildon Council has consistently supported the five unitary model and will continue working closely with partners across Greater Essex to ensure a smooth and effective transition. Preparations will now continue ahead of shadow elections in May 2027 and vesting day in April 2028.
Cllr Gavin Callaghan, Leader of Basildon Council & Cabinet Member for Finance and Strategy, said:
“We welcome the Government’s decision to adopt a five unitary authority model for Greater Essex. As the architects of this model, we believe this is the right approach to ensure strong local leadership and to keep decision-making rooted in the communities we serve.
“You will be aware that Basildon led the proposed model for five unitary authorities in Greater Essex, alongside nine other councils and a number of local MPs. We believe this model is locally rooted, preserves community identity, and ensures services remain close to the people who rely on them.
Under this model, Basildon will merge with Thurrock to form a new South West Essex Unitary Council.
“The Government announced today that it will wipe a significant chunk of the historic unsupported debt from Thurrock Council in this financial year and provide further help and support over the next two financial years before the new councils officially form. I was clear that Basildon taxpayers must not pay the price of historic failures in Thurrock and the Government agrees.
“For too long the county of Essex has been moving backwards with poor outcomes. Today marks the beginning of the end of managed decline. LGR gives us the opportunity to bring services together, strengthen accountability, and ensure decisions are made closer to home.
By taking on responsibility for key services such as highways and adult and children’s social care, we can deliver more joined-up, responsive services that reflect the needs of our communities.
“I am extremely proud of the role Basildon has played in shaping this outcome. This has been a complex and demanding process, requiring strong leadership, collaboration and a clear vision for the future of local government in Essex.
“Over the next two years, our focus will be on working closely with Thurrock and partners across Essex to ensure a smooth transition. Our priority is clear: to maintain high-quality services for residents while building a stronger, more sustainable council for the future.
“This model gives us the best opportunity to keep local government local—protecting community identity while delivering the improvements and efficiencies our residents deserve.”
