Purpose

To respond to the letter from the Minister of State for Local Government and Homelessness regarding the proposal to postpone May 2026 elections.

Content

RESOLVED to respond to the letter from the Minister of State
for Local Government and Homelessness regarding the postponement of elections
in May 2026, as per the letter appended.

Reasons for the decision

The Minister of State for Local Government
and Homelessness has invited responses from Council Leaders on
the potential postponement of local elections scheduled to take
place in the Essex area in May 2026.  

 

The Council strongly opposes any further
delay to local elections on the basis that this would
represent weakening the Democratic Mandate, further delay the
implementation of new electoral boundaries leaving residents in Uttlesford under
represented at the county level, and that the Council is confident in
the capability of its officers to deliver upcoming elections
alongside Local Government Reorganisation.   

 

The Secretary of State has adopted
a locally-led approach and advises that a decision
will be delivered as soon as possible.