STORY
Harlow Council has become the latest local authority to launch a legal challenge against the Government’s local government reorganisation plans in Essex. The council described the decision-making process as deeply flawed, rushed and lacking proper evidence.
The challenge concerns proposals to replace the current two-tier system across Essex, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock with five new unitary councils. Harlow Council said the timetable proposed by ministers was not deliverable.
The authority has joined other councils pursuing legal action over the plans. It said the reorganisation would involve substantial transition costs and would abolish Harlow Council in 2028 if implemented.