LEADERS of Essex councils have branded the government’s postponement of plans to merge local authorities as “a farce”.
The plans would have restructured Essex’s two-tier council system into five new unitary authorities, a move now paused by ministers.
Paul Dundas, leader of Colchester Council, said the process had "descended into farce".
"It makes me angry how much time and money this has cost the taxpayer," he said.
"Virtually every person at the council has been working on local government reform.
"It's been a huge distraction and put a huge strain on resources which should be going on the issues that matter to the people of Colchester."
Simon Morgan, leader of Maldon District Council, also expressed disappointment at the decision but stressed that council services would continue unaffected.
He said: "Maldon District Council has worked closely and constructively with partners in Chelmsford and Brentwood to develop the proposed Mid Essex Council, and we were ready to take forward a model that we believe would have delivered strong, locally focused government for our communities.
“I want to reassure residents that despite all this change to proposed plans it remains very much ‘business as usual’ and council services will continue as normal.”
Mr Morgan added that the council would continue to work with the Government and local partners as it awaited further details about the future of the reorganisation programme.
Tom Cunningham, leader of Braintree Council, also voiced frustration.
He said it would be "bitterly disappointing" if the reforms were delayed or abandoned after councils had spent two years preparing for the changes.
In a joint statement, Tendring Council, Colchester Council, and Braintree Council said they were still waiting for formal confirmation from the government and further information on what happens next.
The councils said their priority throughout the process had been securing the best outcomes for residents, businesses, staff and communities.
They said they would continue to work constructively with Essex County Council, and welcomed indications that local elections in May 2027 would proceed on existing council boundaries.
"This ongoing work remains important," they said.
"It is strengthening relationships, improving shared understanding and helping us respond to our community’s needs, while also informing better services for our residents."
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