Councillor Kevin Bentley, leader of Essex County Council, said: "Our county is growing and our communities are changing. "To keep up, it’s clear the way we deliver local services needs to change too. Essex County Council believes this structure will provide more sustainable, accountable, and connected governance for residents. It will be formally considered at Essex County Council’s cabinet and full council meetings on Thursday, September 18. Other councils in the Greater Essex area have put forward different options, including four and five-unitary models.