Southend are set to endorse the creation of a new Mayoral authority for Greater Essex, which will bring significant benefits to local residents including:
Unlock billions of pounds of growth through inward investment, Freeport expansion, and global trade;
More influence with Government, while gaining real powers without losing identity for Greater Essex’s towns and communities;
Boost skills and jobs, as well as accelerate housing delivery and tackling inequality (including health) across all communities.
Southend recommended the establishment of a new Mayoral Combined County Authority for Greater Essex at its Full Council meeting on Wednesday night (10 September) prior to making a final decision at Cabinet on 15 September.
Essex County Council, Southend-on-Sea City Council and Thurrock Council are working together to seek momentous change in the way local government operates in Greater Essex, after successfully gaining a place on the government’s Devolution Priority Programme in February ahead of a new Mayoral election in May 2026.
Cllr Daniel Cowan, Leader of Southend-on-Sea City Council, says:
“This is another historic milestone for Southend, with tens of billions of pounds worth of growth across the whole of Greater Essex, which will now be even more firmly on the map for even greater national influence with Number 10 Downing Street.
“Establishing a Greater Essex Mayor and wider body will benefit residents and businesses through better paid jobs and the skills for local people, alongside better transport networks.
“We’re building a city we can be proud of – A Greater Essex mayor will help us to keep building it together.”