Essex County Council takes legal action against unitary authority plans
Essex County Council opposes the proposed unitary authority structure
Essex County Council has initiated legal proceedings against the government's decision to reorganise local government.
The government's preference, announced in the spring, is to establish five new unitary authorities in the county, which would bring an end to the existing council structures by May 2028.
Legal papers have been served on the government and the 14 existing councils throughout Essex.
Councillor Peter Harris, Leader of Essex County Council, expressed firm opposition to the proposals.
“We’ve been unequivocal in opposing these costly, ill-judged proposals that put some of our most vulnerable residents at risk," Harris said.
He added that the council's priority is reforming services for residents and businesses, rather than spending over £100 million on reorganisation.
The focus should remain on addressing pressing issues such as pothole repairs, caring for those most in need, and reducing the backlog in SEND assessments, Harris noted.
“We will continue to challenge the Secretary of State’s decision with all powers at our disposal.”
The Secretary of State now has 21 days from 3rd July to file an Acknowledgment of Service with the court.
This will indicate whether the claim will be contested and outline the initial grounds for doing so.
If the Acknowledgment of Service is received, a judge will review the case based on the documents submitted to determine if it should proceed to a full hearing.
Should permission be granted, the case will advance to a substantive hearing at the High Court.