The future shape of local councils in Essex is being discussed, writes Cllr David Finch, the Leader of Essex County Council, with the opportunity to simplify the current system coming soon. In September 2020, The Government is expected to bring forward a white paper, which will begin the process of reforming local councils in ‘two-tier’ County Council areas. From our discussions with the Government, it is clear that it sees the current two-tier system of county and district councils, or county and city or borough councils as imperfect, and that unitary authorities, which are responsible for all council services in a…