Local Government Review - Brentwood Decides

You may be aware that the future of local government in Essex is under review, including here in Brentwood, where our council is currently navigating local government reorganisation. 

Ultimately, this means changes to who delivers your services by creating new unitary authorities. We want to reassure you that we are working to get the best outcome for Brentwood residents throughout this process.

Brentwood Borough Council has responded to the Government’s Local Government Reorganisation by backing a proposal for five unitary councils, which could see Brentwood become part of a new authority with Chelmsford City Council and Maldon District Council. 

The proposal will be debated tonight at an Extraordinary Council Meeting on 15 September.

Currently, four formal business cases are being worked on across Greater Essex. Our preferred approach is five unitary councils, with Brentwood joining Chelmsford and Maldon Councils, as one of them.

There are other proposals. 

• Three unitary councils were proposed by Essex County Council, where Brentwood would join Chelmsford, Maldon, Harlow, and Epping Councils.
• A four-unitary council, proposed by Rochford District Council, where Brentwood would join Rochford, Maldon and Chelmsford.
• A four-unitary council model where Brentwood would join Thurrock, Epping and Harlow.

The final plans must 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 2026.

The Leader of Brentwood Borough Council, Councillor Barry Aspinell, said:

“We have been collaborating with councils across Essex to find the best way forward for local government. My primary focus has always been 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 the five-unitary model is the best option for us. Fewer unitary authorities would be too large and too detached from local communities. Smaller councils mean stronger local voices, better connections with our towns and villages, and reliable and financially sustainable services."

"This approach has strong support from most other Essex councils and local MPs, and we’re confident it gives Brentwood the best chance to safeguard what matters most to our community."