135 Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation
To receive a verbal update from the Chief Executive.
Minutes:
The Director of Strategy and Improvement provided an update on Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) advising that:
· the Government had confirmed that Greater Essex had passed the legal tests for devolution and that work towards a Mayoral Combined County Authority could proceed. The decision followed the consultation held between February and April 2025.
· the Secretary of State had confirmed the government’s decision to establish the five new unitary authorities, with secondary legislation expected to be considered by Parliament later in the autumn.
· Officers were developing a programme of delivery to ensure safe and legal councils were established by April 2028.
· Leaders and officers from Chelmsford, Maldon and Brentwood Councils had met to discuss LGR and working together.
· Key programme Officers had met to establish the Mid Essex project management office and identify activities.
· An Essex-wide programme delivery approach had also been agreed by Chief Executives. Detailed work was being undertaken, including working with services to identify how areas were amalgamated.
· It was noted that Essex County Council’s new administration was challenging the Government’s decision, but work was continuing to the agreed timelines to maintain momentum.
In response to a comment, the Chief Executive advised that Officers were only able to work with the information currently available but acknowledged there was a lot of related political complexity. He confirmed that discussions had taken place with the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government officials regarding the Structural Change Order, which was being drafted along with the accompanying explanatory notes. Members were advised that Officers would continue to progress work on the basis of the current information, monitor the outcome of any judicial review, and update Members as matters developed.