Braintree District councillors are set to debate all available proposals for the reorganisation of local government in Essex, at a meeting of Full Council on Monday 15 September.
Earlier this year, the Government confirmed Greater Essex in its priority programme for devolution. This included an invitation for councils to submit proposals for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) which is aimed at simplifying how councils operate.
This means the number and structure of councils across Essex could change significantly, with plans expected to create fewer, larger unitary authorities by 2028. These would replace the existing councils that manage most local services.
Currently, there are four proposals being worked on in Essex, including proposals for:
- A five unitary council structure that covers the area currently known as the Braintree District, with Colchester City and Tendring District
- A four unitary council structure that covers the area currently known as the Braintree District, with Chelmsford City and Uttlesford District
- A four unitary council structure that covers the area currently known as the Braintree District, with Colchester City and Tendring District
- A three unitary council structure that covers the area currently known as the Braintree District, with Colchester City, Tendring District and Uttlesford District.
The Leader of the Council, Councillor Graham Butland, will present all the proposals at the Full Council meeting, allowing for councillors to express their preference and explain what they think is in the best interests of Braintree district residents and businesses, with no vote being taken.
Councillor Graham Butland, Leader of Braintree District Council, said: “Local Government Reorganisation is a significant change for Greater Essex. That’s why it’s important that we look at all the possible options available for the Braintree district and have the complete evidence base for each proposal to carefully review before deciding our view on the future of local government in Greater Essex.
“Our focus always remains making sure our district is in the best possible position for our residents and businesses, making the most of any opportunities and being aware of the challenges.
“We are working closely with our neighbouring councils to plan for the future, including Colchester City Council and Tendring District Council, alongside Essex County Council, because most options would mean there will be a new authority that would be serving our current councils’ residents.
“Although the final decision about how councils are organised is up to the government, it’s important for us to engage constructively in the process, listening to the views of all councillors and residents to help us agree our direction and focus ahead of submission to government later this month.”
The views shared at the Full Council meeting will help inform the next stage of the process, where the council’s Cabinet will discuss and set recommendations for the Leader to make a formal decision on which proposal, if any, to support, ahead of the submissions to the Government by 26 September.
Throughout September, all councils across Greater Essex will be making their own decisions on the options through their own governance processes.
Once submitted, the Government is expected to launch a public consultation in the autumn when the Council, alongside residents, businesses and other stakeholders, will be able to have their say on the proposals before a final decision is made by the Minister, which is anticipated to be by March 2026.
A new microsite dedicated to Greater Essex Local Government Reorganisation has launched, providing residents and businesses with the most up-to-date information about LGR in Greater Essex.