Council committed to best for Chelmsford following decision to withdraw LGR plans in Essex
Chelmsford City Council remains committed to getting the best outcome for Chelmsford residents, following the government's decision to review its plans for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Essex.
In March, the government chose the five-council option for Greater Essex, a proposal backed by most Essex councils. This plan would have created a new Mid Essex unitary authority, delivering most local services to the areas of Chelmsford, Maldon and Brentwood from April 2028.
Yesterday, the government withdrew this decision. It said the move was made in the light of new legal advice, although it was not an admission that its original decisions were wrong.
A review of their plans for council reorganisation is now set to take place, considering all LGR decisions announced in March and July this year. Elections to Mid Essex Council, scheduled for May 2027, will not go ahead. Instead, elections will take place for Chelmsford City Council next year.
Chelmsford City Council’s Leader, Councillor Stephen Robinson, says the council will continue to advocate for Chelmsford, whatever comes next.
““It’s disappointing to see the government creating more uncertainty about its programme of Local Government Reorganisation. Although they have cancelled the decision made for Essex in March 2026, they still intend to proceed with reorganisation, but without having published a new timetable.
Cllr Stephen Robinson, Leader, Chelmsford City Council
Big changes like this are not entered into lightly and we have been working in good faith to deliver the five-council proposal chosen by the government. For the last six months, we have collaborated with our neighbours in Maldon and Brentwood to take forward plans for a new Mid Essex Council that would have delivered a strong unitary authority that stayed local and relevant to our communities.
If council reorganisation continues, as the government seems to be suggesting it will, we remain committed to an option where Chelmsford still matters. When officially asked about all the proposals on the table, residents resoundingly told the government they didn’t want a mega council that stretched from the border of Hertfordshire to the North Sea.
We will listen to what the government has to say about its review and continue to work constructively with our partners. In the meantime, Chelmsford City Council will remain focused on delivering the best possible services to our residents and businesses, ensuring Chelmsford is a great place to live and a leading city in the East of England.”
The government says it is working at pace to review LGR decisions and will report back to Parliament at the earliest opportunity.
