Issue - meetings

To receive an update from the Chief Executive.

The Committee received a verbal update from the Chief Executive regarding developments in Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and Devolution.

The Chief Executive advised that:

·                the Secretary of State had withdrawn the March 2026 decision relating to the establishment of five unitary councils in Essex and was undertaking a review of the available information;

·                the Government remained committed to LGR and devolution;

·                LGR activity had been paused pending the outcome of the ministerial review;

·                district and parish council elections would proceed in May 2027 on existing boundaries;

·                the Government had outlined a new devolution framework to decentralise power from Westminster and Whitehall, with further details expected in a White Paper later in 2026; and

·                It is understood that Essex County Council, Southend City Council and Thurrock Council have written jointly to the Government seeking the resumption of the Greater Essex Devolution Priority Programme and an accelerated timetable for mayoral elections.

In response to a question regarding discussions with Parish and Town Councils on the potential transfer of assets, and whether such matters could continue to be considered following the pause in LGR activity, the Chief Executive advised that asset transfer proposals could be considered at any time and, where appropriate, decisions could be taken on a case-by-case basis.

The Committee noted the update.