Essex is set to undergo a significant local government restructuring, aiming to replace its 15 councils with five larger unitary councils that will serve approximately 400,000 residents each.

A new mayor will be established to lead a combined authority, which will oversee additional responsibilities in the region.

These changes are designed to streamline local services, including waste collection, road maintenance, and social care, under the new unitary authorities.

Planning responsibilities currently held by borough councils will be transferred to the unitary councils, along with powers related to waste sites and infrastructure.

Environmental health responsibilities, such as food safety and air quality management, will also transition to the new unitary councils.

Transportation responsibilities, including the maintenance of over 5,000 miles of roads, will shift to the new unitary councils.

Essex County Council has committed to a £1 billion deal for waste disposal, which includes sending non-recyclable waste to a new incineration facility being built by Indaver in Rivenhall.

Councillor Kevin Bentley, leader of Essex County Council, expressed optimism about the restructuring, highlighting the potential for local empowerment and improved services for residents.

In a related move, county council elections scheduled for May 2025 have been canceled at the request of Essex County Council, allowing current councillors to remain in office until 2028 without facing re-election.

The new combined authority is expected to enhance strategic transport functions and may eventually consolidate roles related to policing and fire services in Essex.

Housing issues, particularly homelessness, are pressing in Essex, prompting Chelmsford City Council to allocate £5.9 million for housing services in 2025/26, a significant increase from previous years.

The unitary authorities will take over waste collection and disposal, which is currently managed by district councils, potentially altering collection schedules for residents.