URL: https://brentwood.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1313

Decision Maker: Council

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: To update Members on the latest position in respect of Local Government Reorganisation

Content: Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) will see the abolition of all existing local authorities in Greater Essex and the creation of entirely new unitary authorities. Essex authorities have been working collaboratively resulting in the production of 4 distinct reorganisation proposals that are based on differing configurations. Brentwood Borough Council endorsed the 5 Unitary Authority proposal at the meeting of Full Council on 15 September 2025.  All 4 proposals were submitted to Government on 26 September 2025.   The report provided an update on LGR and focuses on activity that has occurred since 15 September 2025, specifically: • Launch of MHCLG consultation • LGR timeline • Surrey Local Government Reorganisation • Council activity relating to LGR   Since the report was prepared the government has made an announcement regarding devolution that impacts Greater Essex as well as Hampshire and the Solent, Norfolk and Suffolk, and Sussex and Brighton.   On 4 December, the Government announced it is minded to postpone the Mayoral election in Greater Essex, originally scheduled for May 2026, to May 2028.  The rational given for this was that the government wants to make sure strong foundations are in place ahead of devolution, allowing time for areas to complete the reorganisation process before Mayors take office.   The Council is working collectively with councils across Greater Essex to understand the implications of this new timetable and what it means for the region.  Future updates on this matter will be reported alongside the proposed quarterly LGR update to the Assets, Projects and Strategy Committee.   Cllr Aspinell MOVED and Cllr Barrett SECONDED the recommendations in the report. A vote was taken on a show of hands and it was RESOLVED:   R1. That Council notes the LGR activity undertaken since 15 September 2025 to date and note that a quarterly LGR report including a risk register be made to the Assets, Projects and Strategy Committee.   R2. That Council delegate authority to the Strategic Director responsible for Policy and Transformation, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to submit a response to the MHCLG consultation on local government reorganisation in Essex, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock, which aligns with the Full Council decision made on 15 September 2025 to support the 5 Unitary Authority proposal.  

Date of Decision: December 10, 2025