On Monday 15 September, at an Extraordinary Council meeting, councillors backed a proposal to submit a five-unitary authority model as the Council’s response to the Government’s Local Government Reorganisation. If the Government selects this option, it would see Brentwood become part of a new authority with Chelmsford City Council and Maldon District Council.
This proposal has also been endorsed by fellow Essex local authorities, including Chelmsford, Harlow and Tendring, with other Local Authorities considering which plan to endorse over the next few weeks.
This decision on Local Government Reorganisation followed the Government’s Devolution White Paper, in which they set out to replace the current ‘two-tier’ system of local government with ‘single-tier’ unitary authorities.
The Government invited authorities to develop plans as to how all-purpose unitary councils could provide essential public services more efficiently across the county.
Other Essex local authorities have suggested alternative options for Brentwood, proposing three or four unitary councils, as suggested by Essex County Council, Rochford District Council, and Thurrock Council.
However, members approved the recommended option of a five-authority proposal at the meeting by a significant majority, which will see Brentwood form a new authority with Chelmsford and Maldon.
The final plans are required to be submitted to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government by 26 September 2025. The Government is expected to consult on the proposals later in the year, with final decisions anticipated in the spring of 2026.
The Leader of Brentwood Borough Council, Councillor Barry Aspinell, said:
“My main focus has always been clear: to ensure Brentwood residents continue to receive the quality services they expect, from a council that listens and remains closely connected to the community, and to whom they are accountable.
“That’s why I believe the five-unitary model is the best option for us as it offers strong local voices, good connections with our towns and villages, and services that are both reliable and financially sustainable.
“I am pleased that members, with support from members of every party and group in the chamber, voted to support the proposal. I’m confident it gives Brentwood the best chance to safeguard what matters most to our community.”