Here's a summary of the upcoming Uttlesford District Council meeting. The main item on the agenda is to consider a report regarding the submission of proposals to the government for local government reorganisation. Public questions and statements can be made at the beginning of the meeting, subject to prior notice.

Submission of Proposals to Government for Local Government Reorganisation

The council will be considering a report on the submission of proposals to the government for local government reorganisation (LGR).

The Full Council - LGR Submission of Proposals to Government - final document includes several appendices:

• Appendix 2 MHCLG LGR invitation to leaders Essex Final February 2025
• Annex 1 - Cabinet report Local Government Reorganisation September 2025
• Appendix 1 EqHIA Submission of Proposals to Government for LGR
• Appendix 1A Background Information
• Appendix 3 Criteria for unitary local government

The report pack includes a letter from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) inviting council leaders in Essex to submit proposals for LGR. The letter sets out the government's criteria for assessing proposals, including:

• Improved services
• Greater efficiency
• Stronger strategic leadership

The report also includes a Cabinet report on LGR from September 2025. The Cabinet report sets out the different options for LGR, including:

• Creating a single unitary authority for Essex
• Creating two or three unitary authorities for Essex
• Maintaining the existing two-tier structure of local government in Essex

The Cabinet report recommends that the council submits a proposal to the government for the creation of two unitary authorities in Essex.

An EqHIA¹ is included in the report pack.

The report pack also includes background information on LGR and the criteria for unitary local government.

Public Speaking

The agenda includes an opportunity for members of the public to ask questions and make statements. According to the Agenda frontsheet 23rd-Sep-2025 19.00 Council, a 15-minute period is allocated for this, with each speaker limited to 3 minutes. Notice must be given by 12 noon two working days before the meeting.

Apologies for Absence and Declarations of Interest

The agenda includes an item to receive any apologies for absence and declarations of interest from councillors.