Basildon and Thurrock should be merged to create a large, more powerful council as part of radical reforms, “accelerating housing and infrastructure” building for more than 16,755 new homes, a south Essex council boss insists.
Gavin Callaghan, Labour leader of Basildon Council, insists this major change would see 15 councils merged into just five new authorities to simplify council decisions and fast-track investment in the region. The council boss has outlined his vision for the future of local councils after the new Labour Government announced plans to shake up the structure of councils.
Under the “preferred option” from Gavin Callahan, Basildon and Thurrock Councils would be merged, Castle Point, Rochford and Southend Councils would join together, Chelmsford, Maldon and Brentwood would be under one council and Braintree, Colchester and Tendering would become one authority.
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He says merging the councils in south Essex will help to “unlock” 5,255 homes in south Essex, as well as Basildon’s 11,500 “potential homes”, through partnership with housing associations and Homes England. He wants to see more details about devolution announced in March, which is set to see more powers handed over from central Government to councils, the restructure of councils signed in December as well as elections for the larger councils in May 2027. Mr Callaghan has long demanded that Basildon is separated from Essex County Council – in a move called “Bas-Exit” from Basildon councillors. Basildon Council is calling to be joined with Thurrock to form a new South West Essex Unitary Authority.
Currently in Essex there are two structures of councils, there is the two tier system with county and borough councils, such as Basildon, Castle Point, Rochford and Essex County Councils. In these areas services such as housing, social, care, bin collection and education are split between the council and borough councils. There is also unitary councils, which run and offer all services independently from the county councils, such as Southend and Thurrock Councils.
A booklet from Basildon Council states that its preferred option “ensures equitable resource distribution and focuses regional governance, addressing local issues effectively. It balances powers while facilitating better coordination and strategic planning. This approach fosters fairer representation and balanced development, promoting a cohesive and prosperous future for all of Essex. Maintaining a simplified system of unitaries would benefit the whole of Essex. Transport infrastructure overcapacity has delayed house building in south Essex. The Good Homes programme aims to unlock 5,255 homes, not including Basildon’s 11,500 potential homes, through partnership with housing associations and Homes England. High population growth and a younger demographic underscore the need for more infrastructure, housing and jobs. Bureaucratic hurdles particularly the Essex highways system, have stalled process. South Essex West Unitary Authority would streamline governance and resources, accelerating housing and infrastructure projects to meet the region’s growing needs.”