Local Government Reorganisation
Local Government Reorganisation
Over the next two years, the Council will need to focus its efforts on preparing for and supporting the transition to the new North-East Essex unitary authority through Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). Alongside Colchester City Council, Essex County Council and Tendring District Council, we will play an essential role in ensuring that the transfer of people, services, assets and contracts is delivered smoothly, safely and without disruption to residents or businesses. To achieve this, we must concentrate on several core areas of activity as follows:
- Provide the necessary resources to support LGR workstreams and assess capacity and reprioritisation of work to ensure that the Council provides expertise to the Essex-wide programme whilst ensuring minimal disruption to core business.
- Develop Council specific transition plans to ensure the Council is fully prepared for a safe and complete transfer into the new authority whilst ensuring there is no loss of service continuity for our residents and businesses.
- Establish Governance and oversight arrangements to ensure clear accountability and alignment with those responsible for the establishment of new Councils
- Integrate transition work into our Fit for the Future workstream to ensure our employees are informed, supported and ready for transition
The anticipated timelines are as follows:
- Spring to Summer 2026 - planning for transition and implementation team stood up
- Autumn to Winter 2026 - Structural Changes Order abolishing current councils and establishing new councils approved by Parliament
- Spring 2027 - Joint Committees in place to oversee the transition and implementation ahead of Shadow Authority elections
- May 2027 - Shadow Unitary Authorities come into being and approve finalised implementation plans May 2027 to March 2028 – transitional arrangements enacted
- April 2028 - new councils established and all current activities migrated