Councils in Essex

This page gives information of the several tiers of local government in Essex and provides links to their websites.

Essex County Council

They are responsible for strategic planning, highways, traffic, social care services, education, libraries, fire, refuse disposal and consumer protection.

Essex County Council

District and Borough Councils

They are responsible for local planning, housing, environmental health, markets and fairs, refuse collection, cemeteries and crematoria, leisure services and parks, tourism and electoral registration.

Basildon District Council
Braintree District Council
Brentwood Borough Council
Castlepoint Borough Council
Chelmsford Borough Council
Colchester Borough Council
Epping Forest District Council
Harlow District Council
Maldon District Council
Rochford District Council
Tendring District Council
Uttlesford District Council

Unitary Councils

There are two, in Southend and Thurrock. They are responsible for all the services in their areas.

Southend Borough Council
Thurrock Council

Parish and Town Councils

These can influence planning applications and community strategies and can provide local recreational facilities, crime prevention, tourism, allotments, footpaths and commons.

Town, Village and Parish Councils (PDF)

Local governments in partnership

Local governments are working more and more in partnership to enhance the value of the services they provide to the people of Essex.

The Essex Trust Charter
This is a key example of partnership working. It has been drawn up to support information sharing between local authorities and health organisations in Essex.