At a Glance:
- Government decision on Essex council reorganisation still pending
- Proposal aims to replace 15 councils with fewer unitary authorities
- Potential for improved efficiency and reduced duplication
- Concerns remain around loss of local connection
- Positive outlook for Southend’s future and upcoming summer season
We had hoped that by the time of writing this article (20 March) we would have a decision from government on their preferred option for the reorganisation of local government structures in Essex.
But that has not happened (we may have a decision by the time you read this). Whatever the decision is on the number of new unitary authorities it is proposed should replace the existing 15 councils in Essex we believe it is in principle a good thing to reorganise. Fifteen councils is too many and rationalising would reduce the potential for duplication, waste and inefficiency. And at a time when local authority budgets are under severe pressure it spreads resources too thinly.
Efficiency Over Fragmentation
For example, do we need up to fifteen economic development teams, themselves of unequal capacity and resource, trying to stimulate investment and growth and investment in their areas – or could this be done more efficiently and strategically over a wider geography? Do we want multiple councils collecting business rates and making planning decisions? For businesses which operate across multiple locations this can be a challenge.
Stronger Strategic Leadership
Of course, there are counterarguments and particularly concerns about the potential loss of a local connection between businesses and residents and their local councillors. But we believe these are outweighed by the potential benefits for taxpayers who will be paying for a smaller local government estate, fewer bureaucracies and councillors and receiving a higher level of public service delivery. But none of this is assured; it needs to done right. Through the Greater Essex Business Board we expect to bring a business perspective to bear upon decisions taken by the mayor (when he or she arrives in two years’ time) and the strategic authority which will cover the whole of Essex.
Preserving Local Identity
It’s important to remember that while structures will change people and businesses will still have their attachments to their cities, towns and villages; there is no reason why they should lose that identity. In this context it is great to see so much going on that bodes well for the future of Southend – from the recent highly successful City Day (and the welcome announcement that the Kursaal has a future under a new operator) to the Southend Investment Summit held at the Cliffs Pavilion. As we approach what we hope will be a bumper summer season it’s important to keep in mind that whilst there are problems and challenges there are also many great things and reasons to be positive about Southend and its future. A happy Easter to all!.
If you have any comments or questions please contact Iain McNab, (Head of Policy)
at iainmcnab@essexchambers.co.uk