Government announcement on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Essex

Dear parish clerks, 

The Government has announced its ‘minded to’ decision on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Greater Essex, confirming a move to five new unitary councils, subject to parliamentary approval.  

This means Chelmsford will join with Maldon and Brentwood, along with Essex County Council services, to form a new mid-Essex unitary authority from April 2028. 

The new councils in Essex will be made up of the following existing authorities and Essex County Council services: 

• Brentwood, Chelmsford and Maldon 
• Braintree, Colchester and Tendring 
• Epping, Harlow and Uttlesford 
• Basildon and Thurrock 
• Castle Point, Rochford and Southend-on-Sea 

We are pleased that the proposal we supported has been chosen by the Government and we remain committed to continuing our joint work with partners to shape the best possible future local services for Chelmsford residents and businesses. 

Until 1 April 2028, Chelmsford City Council will continue to operate as usual. We remain ambitious for Chelmsford and our focus will stay on delivering excellent services for our district as we ensure a well-managed transition to the new unitary authority.  

We will now collectively work through the detail of the Government’s decision and develop a comprehensive plan to take us through to ‘vesting day’ – when the new unitary authorities formally come into effect and take over from the shadow authorities. 

Thank you for your engagement during this important period for our area. We will keep you informed at every stage of the reorganisation process and will continue to consult with you over the coming months. 

In the meantime, the latest information about local government reorganisation in Greater Essex can be found on the joint Essex LGR Hub. 

Kind regards, 

Nick Eveleigh

Chief Executive

Chelmsford City Council

Email: Nick.Eveleigh@chelmsford.gov.uk

Civic Offices, Duke Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1JE

Web: www.chelmsford.gov.uk