Changes to local government in #Essex proposed: squish together the 14 district councils (who handle planning applications, bins, etc) into 5 new councils of about 300k population each. Then abolish Essex council (adult social care, roads, etc) and give the powers to the new councils.
It generally makes sense. Local plans (town planning) get done on a larger area. And no normal people understood who does what in the 2-level (Essex and District) councils anyway.
I'm nervous about Southend being combined with Rochford and Castle Point - will those rural councils understand our urban needs? It risks a change in character and priorities.
We already share the same bus and train transport network. We need nearby councils working with us to grow the city, as we have no fields to build on.
Our neighbours often build car-focused housing and send us the traffic. Will they embrace city life? Will they force us to build roads? Risks and opportunities
