As part of the
Starmer ministry local government reform, a goal of "simpler local government structures" was set out by the government, including a commitment to
phase out two-tier local government structures. South East Essex Council was announced in March 2026 as the replacement for
Castle Point Borough Council,
Rochford District Council and
Essex County Council in Castle Point and Rochford and
Southend-on-Sea City Council in Southend-on-Sea. The area of Castle Point, Rochford and Southend-on-Sea will form the
South East Essex local government district. The council will be a constituent member of the
Greater Essex Combined Authority, which is also being established ahead of the
2028 Greater Essex mayoral election. ==Notes==