URL: https://democracy.southend.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1522

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: To approve the Local Government Reorganisation final proposal and its submission to MHCLG by 26 September 2025.

Content:   The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Strategy and Change) that sought approval of Southend-on-Sea City Council’s preferred approach to Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Greater Essex.   The proposal for five Unitary Authorities presented an evidence-based, and long-term sustainable remodel as a geographically instinctive, effective, responsive, and yet still acutely local, redesign of modern government.   Reason(s) for decision:   In his correspondence of 5 February 2025, and in subsequent correspondence on 2 May 2025, the Minister of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) set an ambitious timeline for areas participating in the Devolution Priority Programme to produce interim, and then final, proposals for LGR. This has catalysed close, agile working between the county, unitaries and district councils of Greater Essex, working together towards to second milestone of delivering a proposal for local government reorganisation to Government by 26 September 2025.   The issues set out in this report will have significant implications for Southend-on-Sea City Council alongside all other local authorities in England.   Councillor C. Campbell, as the nominated representative of the Scrutiny Chairs, attended the meeting and summarised the comments and outcomes of the extraordinary meeting of Council held on 10 September 2025. An addendum was produced and published prior to the Cabinet meeting, setting out these comments and feedback. This included an additional recommendation, agreed by Council for Cabinet’s consideration, which read as follows:   “To explore the establishment of the necessary Charter Trustees in order to preserve any historic charters and the role of the ceremonial mayoralty, and to provide an individual ceremonial mayor for Southend, Rochford, and Castle Point respectively. In Southend, this should also include the preservation of City status.”   The comments from Members were noted and the additional recommendation agreed by Cabinet.   Resolved:   That it be agreed, Cabinet:   1. Agrees the proposal for Local Government Reorganisation as set out in Appendix 1 to the submitted report and approves its submission to MHCLG on the 26 September 2025.   2. Delegates authority to the Chief Executive and Executive Director for Strategy and Change in consultation with the Leader of the Council to make any final changes to the LGR Proposal prior to submission by 26 September 2025.   3. To explore the establishment of the necessary Charter Trustees in order to preserve any historic charters and the role of the ceremonial mayoralty, and to provide an individual ceremonial mayor for Southend, Rochford, and Castle Point respectively. In Southend, this should also include the preservation of City status.   This decision is not eligible for call-in.

Date of Decision: September 15, 2025