THURROCK Council's cabinet has approved a proposal for a four-unitary authority model as part of the Government's plans to reorganise local government across Essex.

The reorganisation could see the current 15 council in Essex replaced by up to five unitary authorities.

While Southend has backed a five-unitary model and Essex County Council favours three, Thurrock Council leader Lynn Worrall said a four-council structure would strike the best balance for residents.

Speaking at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday (17 September), Cllr Worrall said: "I believe more than ever that both the five-unitary and the three-unitary models do not offer the right balance for the future of local government and the people of Essex.

"I'm aware that other proposals have the backing of other councils in Essex and ours doesn't, but local government reorganisation is more than a popularity exercise. It's about looking to the future across a complex landscape and being bold."

Cllr Worrall said unitary authorities with populations of around 500,000 had been shown to be financially viable, and that Thurrock's proposal remained credible despite limited support from neighbouring councils.

"Having travelled across Essex and spoken to many leaders, it's clear our proposal is credible and I continue to be convinced it is the right model," she added.

"Having heard the other leaders' feedback, I am convinced the Government will also see the merits of this proposals too."

However, Independent councillor Neil Speight, representing Stanford-le-Hope West, urged caution.

"Do you not think it would now be appropriate to pause and reflect, given the lack of support for our proposal and the danger that by not supporting the next best option for Thurrock, we could lose out?" he asked.

Cllr Worrall responded: "I want to be clear. We are not working to a council timeline.

"The Government sets the timeline for local government reorganisation, and we either follow it or take the needs and hopes of residents out of the conversation entirely and let other councils decide what's best for our residents.

"There is no time to pause and reflect."

Cllr Worrall assured councillors Thurrock would not become part of London under the plans and said any council tax rises were likely to be under three per cent.