Decision details

Local Government Reorganisation was included in the Government’s manifesto and is clearly on their forthcoming agenda with the White Paper for Devolution and Recovery due to be published in 2020/21. Due to the scale of the preparatory work Councils of Essex have decided to commence some of that in advance to understand baseline data and options available.

To commission Grant Thornton to undertake an assessment of potential options for public sector reform in Greater Essex together with 12 other Essex authorities. Chelmsford City Council will be the lead authority with Grant Thornton for administrative purposes.

TDC could have decided not to join the Essex authorities in commissioning an independent assessment by Grant Thornton however, this was discounted. It is considered the report could provide an important piece of work evaluating potential options as a baseline position, if the Councils are required to consider the content of the White Paper and any future LGR.