Essex County Council, Southend-on-Sea City Council, and Thurrock Council have united to seek significant changes in the way local government operates in Essex.
Today (10 January), the councils have formally written to the government to express their intention to proceed with devolution and the reorganisation of local councils in the area.
The letter, addressed to the Minister for Local Government, confirms their desire to join the Government’s Devolution Priority Programme.
Postponement of Elections
Essex County Council and Thurrock Council will also request the postponement of elections scheduled for May this year. However, Southend-on-Sea City Council has no planned elections for 2025.
These developments follow a series of formal council meetings held earlier this week.
Commitment to Local Government Reorganisation
Participation in the Devolution Priority Programme would also require local authorities to commit to local government reorganisation.
Leader of Southend-on-Sea City Council, Councillor Daniel Cowan, said:
“Devolution offers major opportunities to drive the investment and growth that is needed in Southend-on-Sea and across Greater Essex. Similarly, reorganisation gives the chance to make positive changes to local services and as a well-established unitary authority, we know the benefits of single-tier local government and are well placed to make the most of any changes.
“We know that for most people, terms like reorganisation and devolution will mean little, and they rightly just want to know how their services will be improved. That is how we will approach this – firmly focused on better services and outcomes for local people.
“I am pleased that collectively we have made this momentous decision and submitted the letter to Government to be at the front of the devolution queue and shape the future with our partners across the county.”
Next Steps
The councils now await the Government’s response on whether Greater Essex will be accepted as part of the Priority Programme for Devolution.
Councils have also agreed to work collaboratively to develop proposals for local government reorganisation. Full proposals are expected to be submitted in Autumn 2025, aligning with the Government’s timeline.