THE leadership at Essex County Council plans to launch a legal challenge against proposals for local government re-organisation (LGR) in Greater Essex.
The county council opposes plans to replace 15 councils in Greater Essex with five unitary authorities in a major shake-up of the existing structure.
On Friday, June 19, the council formally announced its decision to proceed with a judicial review of the proposals.
This follows a pre-action response letter from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Councillor Peter Harris, leader of Essex County Council, said: "With our strong mandate from the people of Essex, we've been unequivocal in opposing these costly, ill‑judged proposals that risk widening the gap between residents and their representatives.
"The government’s pre-action response has only strengthened our resolve.
"With the unanimous backing of my cabinet, we are now moving ahead with a judicial review.
"These proposals are opposed to the localism we want for Essex.
"We will fight them robustly, using every tool at our disposal on behalf of our residents, and we are confident we can win."
The letter reveals advice from senior officials on the financial robustness of the four competing proposals for Greater Essex was disregarded by the Secretary of State.
Government officials recommended the three unitary proposal, led by Essex County Council.
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They said: "It is the only proposal we assess to be financially viable within five years, which is particularly pertinent given unsupported debt in Thurrock."
Mr Harris previously wrote to Steve Reed MP, the Secretary of State, outlining the council’s intention to legally challenge the proposals.
The council has since remained in discussions with the government, expressing strong objections to the proposed changes.
