CREATING a south Essex “mega council” stretching from Grays to Great Wakering will make services more expensive and limit democratic accountability, the leader of Southend Council has said. 

Residents across Essex, including in Southend, have until Sunday to take part in a major consultation and have their say on local Government reform. 

Current councils across Essex will be abolished and new unitary authorities created under a Greater Essex mayor. 

Councils across south Essex are in favour of five unitary authorities created, however Essex County Council announced prefers three and released a map highlighting its preferred option. 

Growth - The county council's power of three map which they say will unlock regional growth in EssexGrowth - The county council's power of three map which they say will unlock regional growth in Essex (Image: Essex Country Council) This includes Southend, Rochford, Castle Point, Basildon and Thurrock councils combined under the new South Essex unitary authority, with two other councils centred around Chelmsford and Colchester.

Daniel Cowan, Labour leader of Southend Council said: “South Essex councils are arguing for five unitary authorities rather than three huge mega councils trying to deliver services across Essex.

“Under the county council’s plan south Essex would be one council trying to deliver services from Grays to Great Wakering; it’s not local government.

Balance - Essex County Council leader Kevin Bentley says the plans have been analysed in detail to balance servicesBalance - Essex County Council leader Kevin Bentley says the plans have been analysed in detail to balance services (Image: Essex Country Council) “The area would be almost as big as the Tees Valley, it would create the three biggest councils in the country overnight. It would be make services more expensive and limit democratic accountability.

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Each new unitary authority will have full control over local services from education to roads and social services.

Unworkable - Southend council leader said the plans would let down residents and harm services, advocating for five councils instead of threeUnworkable - Southend council leader said the plans would let down residents and harm services, advocating for five councils instead of three (Image: Newsquest) The Government has said it is going “full steam ahead” with mandated reform for the region which would include a new mayor and promote growth.

Kevin Bentley, Conservative leader of Essex County Council said: “We’ve painstakingly weighed up the options and have concluded this model delivers the best possible value and outcomes for Essex. Three councils offers the simplicity, strength, and stability our great county is crying out for and which the status quo does not offer

“If Greater Essex is to achieve its full potential, and be a place where communities and the economy can thrive, I firmly believe it is the best available option.”

Thousands of residents have already responded to a live survey issued by Southend council ahead of the consultation, which can be found here: https://yoursay.southend.gov.uk/yoursayfutureofessex/surveys/yoursayfutureofessexsurvey