Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Chief Executive, (copy enclosed).

The Council considered the report of the Chief Executive providing an update on Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).

The Director of Legal and Governance introduced the report which provided a brief outline of the announcement in March 2026 that the Government supported the Five Unitary Business Case. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) had sought further information from the Council to inform a draft Structural Change Order (Order). The Council’s proposed response to the questions raised by the MHCLG Was set out in paragraphs 3.3 – 3.5 of the report. Delegation was also sought to allow the Chief Executive to make any amendments or provide further information to MHCLG if required.

It was noted that Officers had undertaken a review of the ward arrangements in line with the Boundary Commission guidelines and previously approved by Members.

The Director of Legal and Governance advised that there was a typographical error in the Parish Council election harmonisation table (paragraph 3.5 of the report), for the 2026 ordinary year of election the ordinary end of term should read 2030, not 2040. This was noted.

Members noted the progress, ongoing discussions and work with Essex County Council, Chelmsford City Council and Brentwood District Council around implementation delivery planning.

The Director of Legal and Governance advised that there was no update in respect of Devolution.

The Chairperson moved the recommendations set out in the report and this was duly seconded.

In response to the discussion that ensued, the Director of Legal and Governance explained that the information set out in the report was being provided to the MHCLG and would not be presented before parliament at this time. The Chief Executive gave his commitment to Maldon that he would ensure Members were updated as soon as he was aware of information. He acknowledged that at times social media got hold of information quicker than the Council.

The Chairperson then put the recommendations which were duly agreed.

RESOLVED

(i)             That Members approve the response to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) questions as set out below:

Warding Arrangements - Officers have undertaken a review of the warding arrangements in line with the Boundary Commission guidelines. The proposed warding arrangement are as follows:

Returning Officer - The Returning Officer for the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23