You may have heard the terms ‘Devolution’ and ‘Local Government Reform’ but not fully understood what exactly is going on. So, I’d like to explain more about what is likely to happen and why.
In Labour’s manifesto, we said we’d invite councils to join together to deliver services differently. Local councils in Essex have responded to this.
We want to put control back in the hands of local people – giving unprecedented powers to deliver growth, opportunities, transport and housing for us all. Devolution will create simpler, more efficient and clearer structures, with fewer senior managers and politicians making sure there’s more money for frontline services.
Southend Council is already a Unitary Authority, responsible for the full range of local government delivery. What is likely to happen is that the council area will get a bit larger. This will mean better value for money, through greater economies of scale and less bureaucracy. Then there will be a Directly Elected Mayor, who will get funding devolved from government, giving them more say over infrastructure.
Timeline for Devolution
We will join the Devolution Priority Programme – with mayoral elections planned for next year.
The new Mayor will take a more direct role with a range of new powers across strategic planning, housing, transport and skills.
Initial plans for devolution will be submitted in the spring.
Full proposals will follow later in the year.
Southend was not holding elections this year anyway but we still hope to achieve devolution in the most ambitious timeline next year.
What Devolution means
- Local government streamlined
- More decisions made outside Westminster by people who understand their communities
- Efficiency savings through simpler structure
- Easier system for public to understand
- Increased accountability
- Quicker delivery of services and decision making
- An elected Mayor
- More say over transport
- Increased control over planning
- Skills tailored to local needs
- Unlock growth
These changes will rebuild local government and make it more effective, saving money for the taxpayer that can be invested into public services and improve accountability with fewer politicians.
Too many institutions with different powers and governance arrangements have not been good for local government for some time.
Now we will have more powers to kickstart our economy and empower our community, so that our neighbourhoods, high streets and communities can be transformed. I’m proud of what we’re doing to improve local government.
by David Burton-Sampson
MP for Southend West & Leigh
david.burtonsampson.mp@parliament.uk