Agenda item

Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation Update

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

Minutes:

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:

 

Existing District Wards

Electorate

06.2025

New Ward Total

Member / 3000

No. Cllrs (new)

Name of New Ward

Althorne

3,559

6,581

1.19

2

The Crouch Valley

Purleigh

3,022

1.01

Burnham-on-Crouch North

4,231

7,552

1.41

2

Burnham-on-Crouch

Burnham-on-Crouch South

3,321

1.11

Mayland

3,400

8,106

1.13

3

The Dengie Villages

Tillingham

1,132

0.38

Southminster

3,574

1.19

Tollesbury

2,327

5,750

0.78

2

Tollesbury and Tolleshunts

Tolleshunt Darcy

3,423

1.14

Heybridge East

3,262

6,773

1.09

2

Heybridge

Heybridge West

3,511

1.17

Maldon North

3,406

5,221

0.61

2

Maldon North East

Maldon East

1,815

1.02

Maldon South

3,073

7,257

1.14

2

Maldon South West

Maldon West

4,184

1.39

Great Totham

3,159

6,270

1.05

2

Maldon Rural North

Wickham Bishops & Woodham

3,111

1.04

53,510

17

 

Returning Officer - The Returning Officer for the Mid Essex will be the Chief Executive of Chelmsford City Council.

 

Parish Council Election Harmonisation - This position has not been agreed by all authorities, but this is the current proposal for Parish Council harmonisation.

 

Proposal Parish/Town Council Elections

 

Ordinary year of elections

Ordinary End of term

Other elections we anticipate on election day that year

Proposal

2026

2030

Current council elections

Parish elections are already going ahead anyway, with a term of 4 years, but term should subsequently be extended to 6 years.

2027

2031

Shadow elections everywhere

Parish elections due to take place should go ahead, but term extended to 5 years. 

2028

2032

Mayoral election

Parish elections due to take place should go ahead. No extension necessary

2029

2033

None – though General election is due by July 2029.

Parish elections should go ahead (if any) but with a three year term. 

2030

2034

None

Parish elections should be postponed and term of those elected in 2026 extended to six years.

2031

2035

None

Parish elections should be postponed and term of those extended in 2027 extended to five years.

2032

2036

Unitary elections

All parish council elections take place this year

 

(ii)        That in consultation with the Leader of the Council and Chairperson of the LGR Working Group delegation is given to the Chief Executive to agree any amendments or to provide further information to MHCLG in relation to the information required to draft the Structural Change Order (SCO);

 

(iii)       That Members note the wider update around Devolution and LGR.

Supporting documents: