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 West Essex Council was announced in March 2026 as the replacement for
Basildon Borough Council and
Essex County Council in Basildon and
Thurrock Council in Thurrock. The area of Basildon and Thurrock will form the
South West 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.
Debt Thurrock Council, one of the predecessor authorities, had £1.5 billion of debt from bad investments. In December 2025, £677 million of this remained. In March 2026, to coincide with the announcement of the new South West Essex Council, the government provided £200 million to pay off part of the debt. ==Notes==