Local government reorganisation: decision letter to Essex, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock council leaders 25.3.2026 | Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs ​​​​​Letter to Essex, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock council leaders with the Secretary of State’s decision on local government reorganisation.​ On 25 March 2026, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Rt Hon Steve Reed OBE MP, wrote to the leaders of Essex, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock councils to inform them of his decision to implement the proposal for 5 unitary councils to be established in Essex, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/local-government-reorganisation-decision-letter-to-essex-southend-on-sea-and-thurrock-council-leaders