Maldon District Council to merge with Brentwood and Chelmsford as Government agrees devolution plans

New-look local government - Maldon District Council leader Richard Siddall (pictured) welcomes the decision. (Credit: Maldon District Council)

THE UK Government has made its decision on the future of councils in Essex and across the country, including Maldon District Council.

Yesterday, the Government announced its 'Minded to' decision to approve the creation of five unitary authorities to represent the people of Essex, replacing the current county, district, city and borough councils.

This follows the preferred model put forward by Maldon District Council, which it says keeps people and places at the heart of local government, bringing Maldon together with Chelmsford and Brentwood.

Council leader Richard Siddall welcomed the announcement, adding: “I am pleased that Government has listened and adopted our preferred model, keeping local government local.

All change - five new unitary authorities are set to be created in April 2028. (Credit: Maldon District Council)

"We will now step up our collaborative work with all partners across Greater Essex to deliver the change so that it best serves the interests of our local communities and residents of Maldon District.

"We need to ensure that the change happens with minimal disruption and that the Maldon District benefits from the reorganisation.”

Maldon District Council will continue to deliver local services, such as rubbish collections and planning policy, until it joins the new authority on 1st April 2028.

The council has also pledged to to ensure the reorganisation brings opportunities for more joined‑up services in the future. It will keep residents informed as plans are developed and implemented.

This local government reorganisation announcement comes following a public consultation, which concluded in April last year.