Local Government Re-organisation - The SWFRP's stance
SWFRP supports a 5-unitary system as the best way to preserve an independent voice for the town.
28 October 2025
A major shake-up of local councils in Essex, part of a nationwide policy by the government to make Councils more efficient, is underway with various options presented by local councils for between 3 and 5 councils to replace the current 15 Essex is managed by.
After careful consideration, the South Woodham Ferrers Residents Party (SWFRP) believes the 5-council proposal is the best, giving the best chance for residents of South Woodham to have their say over the services and investment which affects them.
The plan for 5 councils is backed by ten Council Leaders in Essex representing all the traditional major political parties.
According to audited figures, the 5-unitary authority option saves over £100m per year, compared to just £25m for 3 unitary authorities.
The ten councils backing this proposal are Basildon, Brentwood, Castle Point, Chelmsford, Colchester, Harlow, Maldon, Southend-on-Sea, Tendring and Uttlesford.
In a joint open letter, the Leaders supporting the 5-Council model state that ‘The people of Essex deserve councils that are local, accountable, and responsive.’
They say that reorganisation should promote growth by respecting the geography of this hugely diverse county and by bringing government closer to residents, not further away.
The SWFRP’s leader, Keith Bentley, said: “We support the 5-Council model because it means councillors will be representing fewer residents bringing them closer to their communities and making it easier for a local voice to be heard on issues that affect South Woodham Ferrers.
"It will also mean we will have a stronger voice when it comes to funding services and new projects for the town, to ensure we get as fair a slice of the budget per person as other larger towns and cities in Essex.
"Our party can better reflect local views because we don’t have to follow the political and economic positions of a national party.
"We think the savings offered by the 5-Council model, as opposed to the 4- or 3- council models, are more realistic and better for residents who don’t want to face higher Council Tax rises year after year.”