Brentwood council leader backs keeping ‘local government as local as possible’

Liberal Democrat councillor for Pilgrims Hatch, Councillor Barry Aspinell, is one of ten Council Leaders in Essex representing all the traditional major political parties who have demonstrated their firm and joint public support for the creation of five new unitary authorities across Greater Essex to replace the current 15 councils.

• This model is locally rooted, preserving community identity and service delivery.

• Has been developed with strong support from a significant number of MPs;

• Has the backing of Council Leaders from across the traditional main political parties, including Conservative, Labour, Liberal Democrat and Independent;

• Public consultation shows the majority prefer the status quo, but when change is considered, five councils are the best fit;

• According to audited figures, the five unitary authorities save over £100m per year, compared to just £25m for three unitary authorities.

In a joint open letter, all ten leaders state that ‘The people of Essex deserve councils that are local, accountable, and responsive.’

They also go on to state that ‘Reorganisation should promote growth by respecting the geography of this hugely diverse county and by bringing government closer to residents, not further away.’

Councillors recently voted to approve the Liberal Democrat-led Joint Administration’s proposals by a large majority, with all Liberal Democrats present voting in favour.

The Leader of Brentwood Borough Council, Councillor Barry Aspinell, said: "I believe the five-unitary model is the best option for Brentwood residents as it gives us a strong local voice, has good connections with our towns and villages, builds on historic connections to our Borough, and provides services that are both reliable and financially sustainable.

“With this option, Brentwood residents will continue to receive all the quality services they expect, from a council that listens and remains closely connected to the community it serves and to whom they are accountable.”