Agenda item

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

The Council considered the report of the Chief Executive (CE) setting out the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) Five Unitary Authority (5UA) Business Case for Greater Essex, entitled “Creating a Local Future for Greater Essex”.

The report provided detailed background information following receipt of a letter from the Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution to formally invite proposals for LGR.

The CE presented the report and reminded the Council of its in-principal decision in February 2025 to support the development of a 5UA business case (as set out at section 5.2 of the report). It was hoped through the business case the clear benefits of the 5UA model would be highlighted and he outlined the detailed work that Officers had undertaken to establish if this model could be financially viable and sustainable. A task force consisting of Basildon, Brentwood, Castle Point, Chelmsford, Colchester, Harlow, Southend, Tendering, Uttlesford and Maldon Councils had worked collaboratively to produce the 5UA business case (attached at Appendix 1 to the report). Senior Officers and Members had worked alongside consultants Grant Thornton, Peopletoo and the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) to identify and analyse the benefits and challenges of Greater Essex and the 5UA. The CE reported that the 5UA model and its related options worked best for Maldon residents and overall would provide the right scale, continuity of services, lower transition risk (when compared to other proposals), and a clear identity centered around communities and pride of place. Members were reminded that although their support for the 5UA business model was being sought, the Government would decide which option would be taken forward.

Section 5 of the report set out the 5UA business case proposal, including how it met all the criteria set by government, had emerged as the best option outperforming alternatives on significant areas along with the comparison work that had taken place and proposed related political governance. Details of the proposed areas under the 5UA were set out in the report and appendix along with the financial analysis that had taken place. It was noted that the proposal would result in each of the five new unitary Councils hosting a primary town or city. Members were reminded of the detailed public consultation that had taken place.

The report also provided further detail in respect of the other four modes being submitted in the Greater Essex LGR proposal to government. These models included a three unitary authority model led by Essex County Council (ECC), a four unitary authority model led by Rochford District Council and a further four unitary authority model led by Thurrock Council. Details of these proposals were set out in Appendixes 2, 3 and 4 to the report along with the indicative LGR for Greater Essex timeline through to 2028.

The Leader of the Council advised that he felt the 5UA model was the best fit for Maldon and Greater Essex and hoped Members would support the business case. He thanked Councillor W Stamp for chairing the Devolution and LGR Working Group and those Members that had attended, along with all Officers who had worked hard and contributed to the business case, working with colleagues across all of Essex and collaborating on all business cases whilst carrying out business as usual.

The Chairperson moved the recommendation set out in the report. This was duly seconded.

In accordance with Procedure Rule No. 13 (3) Councillor N D Spenceley requested a recorded vote. This was duly seconded.

During the lengthy and robust debate that ensued, several Members spoke in support of the 5UA model commenting on the importance of ensuring that the model represented Maldon residents, how decisions were to be taken, and funding allocated. Along with another Member, Councillor W Stamp spoke against the 5UA model highlighting her concerns and supporting the three Unitary Authority model.

The Chairperson thanked Members for their debate and moved the recommendation to support the 5UA business case and its submission. The voting was as follows:

For the recommendation:

Councillors M G Bassenger, J R Burrell-Cooke, S Dodsley, J Driver, A Fittock, L J Haywood, J C Hughes, K Jennings, A M Lay, W J Laybourn, R G Pratt, R H Siddall, N D Spenceley, P L Spenceley, E L Stephens, J C Stilts, N J Swindle, M E Thompson and L L Wiffen.

Against the recommendation:

Councillors A S Fluker, K M H Lagan, M G Neall, U G C Siddall-Norman and W Stamp.

Abstention:

There were none.

The Chairperson declared that this was therefore agreed.

RESOLVED that Members support the Five Unitary Authority business case and its submission to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government as part of the proposal for Local Government Reorganisation across Greater Essex.