RESOLVED that Cabinet, in response to the formal invitation from the Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution to submit proposals for a single tier of local government for Greater Essex by 26 September 2025, in accordance with the statutory criteria as set out in the invitation:-

(a)  supports the principles of the case for five new unitary councils for Essex, with the District of Tendring forming part of the proposed new North East Essex Unitary Council based on:

(i)              keeping local government as local as possible and embedding local accountability;

(ii)             sense of place and recognising the geographical linkages;

(iii)            the structures of existing partnerships and joined up decision making;

(iv)            ensuring on going delivery of high quality services; and

(v)             the option is financially viable and sustainable on the basis of good stewardship by the future unitary councils; and

(vi)            the statutory criteria have been addressed.

(b)  agrees that Tendring District Council is included as a supporting council to the Final Plan for Local Government Reorganisation “The proposal for growth:  Five new unitary councils for Essex” for submission in response to the Minister’s invitation;

(c)   agrees that it may be necessary for the Leader, upon receipt of and detailed consideration of additional information following Cabinet’s decision, to make a further decision before submission within the deadline given by the Secretary of State, based upon the Key Principles for Tendring;

(d)  in respect of (c) the Leader will inform all Members and consult the Chief Executive, prior to any such decision being made;

(e)  notes that in response to the statutory consultation stage to undertaken by Government, formal decisions will be taken by the Leader, in consultation with the Chief Executive, without reference to Cabinet/Council but following notification to all Members of his proposed draft response; and

(f)    supports the Leader and Chief Executive continuing to provide periodic briefings to Members (and reports as necessary) as the agenda around devolution and local government reorganisation develops locally, acknowledging the extensive detail they will need to convey as this process proceeds.