THURROCK councillors are divided over the future shape of local government in Essex, as the council debates its position on a proposed reorganisation that could reshape services across the county.

Local Government Reorganisation will see 15 Essex councils merge in up to five unitary authorities.

At a extraordinar meeting of the full council meeting on Wednesday (1 October), members discussed the merits of three, four, and five-unitary authority models under the government's reorganisation plans. The debate followed the cabinet's decision to back a four-unitary model, which would see Thurrock grouped with Harlow, Epping Forest, and Brentwood in a new authority aimed at streamlining services and improving financial resilience.

However, several councillors criticised both the proposal and the process by which it was approved.

Independent councillor Neil Speight had tabled a motion calling for the full debate along with an additional call for a vote. He expressed frustration that councillors were not given the opportunity to vote on the different models.

"An earlier pledge for councillors to debate and vote on the matter has not been honoured," he said. "My personal preference, because of the financial security it brings, is to opt for a county-wide system of three unitaries to work with our soon-to-be elected mayor."

Conservative Group Leader George Coxshall also voiced support for a three-unitary model, arguing that the cabinet's proposal fails to reflect South Essex's identity. "The links going north to Harlow aren't where we need to be," he said. "We have an opportunity to create an economic powerhouse here in the South of the Thames."

Alex Anderson, leader of the Reform Group, said: "Personally, I support the three authority model. The administration's rationale for the four authority seems to be predicated on finding a balance between financial sustainability and retaining a sense of local democracy.

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"I don't think anyone really anywhere is arguing that the four model would be better than the three model for finances. If we're going to forego some possible future financial stability, there must be some great fantastic benefit and I just don't see that."

Council Leader Lynn Worrall defended the cabinet's position, arguing that the four-unitary model strikes the right balance between scale and local accountability.

"This is about safeguarding local identity and keeping decision-making close to the communities we serve," she said. "Residents want councils that are responsive and rooted in their area—not decisions made by far-off authorities."

A council spokesperson said it was not possible to hold a vote and the alteration to the motion was rejected in line with the council's constitution because "Only alterations which could be made as an amendment may be made."