 The Local Government Act 1972 left the boundaries mostly untouched, although part of it, in Basildon New Town, was ceded to the Basildon district and the district gained borough status.It was given administrative independence from Essex County Council on 1 April 1998 by "The Essex (Boroughs of Colchester, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock and District of Tendring) (Structural, Boundary and Electoral Changes) Order 1996".It remains part of Essex for ceremonial purposes such as lord-lieutenancy.