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

Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) are different.

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

LGR simplifies and reduces the number of councils across the country. It creates larger unitary councils, and a simpler and more effective system that is better value for money.

At present, there are 15 councils in the Essex area:

• Southend-on-Sea City Council, a unitary council;
• Thurrock Council, a unitary council;
• Essex County Council; and
• 12 city, borough and district councils, which are currently in a 'two-tier' arrangement with Essex County Council

Reorganisation would restructure the 15 councils into a smaller number of unitary authorities. These would be responsible for all local services in their area.