Essex council to take government to court over reforms

Last month, Harris wrote to Communities Secretary Steve Reed explaining the authority was considering legal action.

Government lawyers formally responded this week, external, saying there was no case to argue.

But the letter also revealed that the government felt a three-council model for Essex was the only one “we assess to be financially viable within five years” and five councils would be “weaker in respect of finances and public service delivery criteria”.

But Reed also wanted the new unitary councils in Essex to “retain connection to local communities” and the five-authority model would “best meet local housing needs”.

If granted permission by the High Court, the judicial review could be heard over the summer.

A senior judge would then check if the government has acted within the law and has followed proper procedures.

Elections to the new unitary councils are due to take place in May and formally take effect in April 2028.

Reform won a majority at Essex County Council after the local election on 7 May, ending the Tories’ 25-year control of the authority.