Issue - meetings

To receive a verbal update from the Chief Executive.

The Council received a verbal update from the Director of Legal and Governance on Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation.

Members were advised that the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) had confirmed its decision to implement the Five Unitary Model (FUA), which aligned with Maldon District Council’s supported business case. A follow?up letter had been received from the MHCLG at 4pm, and officers were currently assessing its implications, with full details to be reported to Members in the coming days. It was noted that the proposals would proceed following Parliamentary approval of the required structural change order, expected in June or July, with a Section 24 Notice to follow in the autumn. Maldon District Council would continue to operate until 1 April 2028, after which it would become part of the new Mid Essex Council alongside Chelmsford City and Brentwood District Councils. Elections for the shadow councils were scheduled for May 2027, with elected councillors serving a five?year term. Joint Committees would be established beforehand to oversee transition work. MHCLG also announced at least £900,000 in funding for each new unitary authority. A meeting of Leaders and Chief Executives was due to take place the following day, with a further Chief Executives meeting planned for April. Members would continue to be updated as more information became available.

The Director agreed with a comment regarding the speed that everything was moving and reassured Members that they would be kept up to date.

In response to a comment regarding financial constraints the Leader of the Council advised that there were none at this time, but it was essential that the Council worked with the new authorities. The Director of Finance reiterated this advising that now the Council had better clarity with regards to what was happening.

Councillor W Stamp referred to a radio interview she had heard, and a comment by the interviewee that issues regarding highways and potholes would be reduced following introduction of the new unitary authorities due to the local decision that would be made. She commented on the current difficultly to get such matters resolved.

RESOLVED that the update on Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation be noted.