County council eyes legal challenge over local government reorganisation decision

The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Steve Reed, announced yesterday that the five new authorities for Essex, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock would be:

• West Essex Council (current local government areas of Epping Forest, Harlow and Uttlesford)
• North East Essex Council (current local government areas of Braintree, Colchester and Tendring)
• Mid Essex Council (current local government areas of Brentwood, Chelmsford and Maldon)
• South West Essex Council (current local government areas of Basildon and Thurrock)
• South East Essex Council (current local government areas of Castle Point, Rochford and Southend-on-Sea).

Elections for shadow authorities would take place in May 2027, with the five unitaries coming into effect in April 2028.

Essex County Council had favoured a three-council model, consisting of one council each for north, mid and south Essex.

Cllr Kevin Bentley, Leader of Essex County Council, said: “It is my view that the Government has chosen the wrong option for the people of Essex. 

“Their decision means that, and as the evidence base shows, it will take 50 years for the five proposed councils to pay the bill for this reorganisation. That means our children will be grandparents by the time this is paid down.”

He added: “The Government set out criteria for the new councils on fragmentation, sustainability of services and the ability to withstand financial shocks. The justification for their decision is thin. Given the Government’s reasons for their decision, we will be looking to legally challenge.”

See also: Local Government Reorganisation 2026: Read Local Government Lawyer’s exclusive guide providing insight into the challenges that senior legal professionals are facing, alongside analysis of the work needed to ensure a smooth transition.