URL: https://brentwood.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1307

Decision Maker: Council

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: As previously reported to Council, on 5 February 2025, the Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution, Jim McMahon OBE MP wrote to the Leaders of Essex County Council, Southend-on-Sea City Council and Thurrock Council to advise them that based on the criteria of geography and readiness set out in the English Devolution White Paper, that Greater Essex had been selected to join the Devolution Priority Programme which has subsequently progressed with the creation of a new Greater Essex Mayoral County Combined Authority (MCCA) and planned election of a Mayor for Greater Essex set to be held in May 2026. On the same day, the Minister wrote to the Leaders of all councils in Greater Essex inviting the councils to develop proposals for re-organisation of the current local government arrangements across the county. This letter followed the intention of Government, as set out in the English Devolution White Paper published in December 2024, to replace the ‘two[1]tier’ system of local government (district/borough councils and county councils) with a ‘single tier’ of local government serving an area (“unitary authorities”) With regards to LGR, the Government required an Interim Plan to be submitted by 21st March 2025 setting out initial progress and final proposals for reorganisation by 26th September 2025.   At its meeting held on 19th March 2025, the Council considered the Interim Plan for Greater Essex and resolved as follows - 1. This Council recognises the proposals from Government for Local Government Reform and Devolution, requested by the Upper Tier Authorities in Greater Essex, and will respond in a manner designed to secure the best outcome for the Borough of Brentwood, given the framework and structure of the process. 2. To approve the submission of the Interim Plan to Government with the Council’s endorsement and logo applied. 3. To endorse the direction of discussion and develop plans as set out in the Interim Plan set out in Appendix B; and 4. To support in principle the development of a five unitary model for Greater Essex, as its preferred structure for local government in Greater Essex. Since that meeting, work has been undertaken across Greater Essex to develop proposals for Local Government Reorganisation. The purpose of this report is to advise Full Council of the four proposals for local government reorganisation in Greater Essex that have now been developed to enable Members to consider which of the proposals Brentwood Borough Council wishes to express its support for.   Cllr Aspinell MOVED the recommendation which was SECONDED by Cllr Davies.   That the Council expresses its support for the 5 Unitary Authority Proposal as set out in Appendix A as its preferred option for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Greater Essex, and that the Leader of the Council be authorised to add the council’s support to the proposal to be submitted to Government by the deadline of 26th September 2025.   Cllr Aspinell expressed that reaching the proposal outlined in the report  had been a momentous task and thanked Cllrs Barrett and Davies for their help in the negotiations with participating councils.  The 5 Unitary proposal is the best fit for Brentwood sharing cultural and historical links.   Cllr Davies, in seconding the recommendation, spoke in support of the 5 Unitary proposal option outlining the benefits to Brentwood including democratic accountability, retaining its identity and being financially viable.   Cllr Russell expressed his gratitude to those involved in the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) both in this authority and beyond.  However, he could see no benefits in dividing Essex and wished the sovereignty of the borough to remain.  He could not support this recommendation.   Cllr Dr Barrett outlined some of the benefits of the proposal including enhanced housing choices allowing flexibility for social tenants and residents; ability to build more social housing; the creation of better leisure facilities and a coordinated authority for joined decision making.   Cllr Hirst spoke in support of LGR but to retain the civic pride afforded to Brentwood. Quality of service is paramount and this could be obtained by supporting the 3, 4 or 5 unitary models.  Cllr Hirst was in favour of both the 4 and 5 Unitary proposals.   Cllr Kendall spoke about the finances and Brentwood’s current strong financial position.  He was in support of the 5 Unitary proposal.   Cllr Slade expressed she felt the process had been rushed and hoped for a review of boundaries, however, stated the 5 Unitary option was preferred.   Cllr Rigby spoke in support of the 5 Unitary proposal and stated this was the best option for Brentwood in terms of scale, identity and location.    Cllr Parker thanked Members and officers for the report, however, stated he could not support the recommendation.    Cllr Mynott shared the concerns of fellow members.  He stated that in terms of planning, the 5 Unitary option worked best.    Cllr Barber spoke giving his reasons why he could not support the recommendation which included loss of sovereignty, the will of residents and financial implications.   Following further debate a recorded vote was requested by Cllrs Aspinell, Davies, G Barrett, Kendall and Rigby.   FOR:  Cllrs Laplain, N Cuthbert, Aspinell, G Barrett, Dr Barrett, Chinnery, Cloke, M Cuthbert, Davies, Fulcher, Haigh, Hirst, Jerrard, Kendall, Lewis, Marsh, Mayo, Murphy, Mynott, Naylor, Pound, Rigby, Sankey, Slade, Worsfold (25)   AGAINST:  Cllrs Barber, Gelderbloem, Gordon, Parker, Russell, Sunger (6)   ABSTAIN:  Cllrs Gibson, Patel, Poppy, Wagland (4)   The Motion was APPROVED.       The Mayor closed the meeting at 20.15.

Date of Decision: September 15, 2025