Thurrock councillors will discuss how proposals for devolution and local government re-organisation could affect the borough and wider Essex, including Essex County Council, Southend on Sea City Council, and Essex district councils.
This follows the publication of the Government's White Paper on English Devolution, on Monday 16 December 2024, which set out plans for delivering devolution more widely.
An extraordinary meeting of the General Services Committee takes place today (Tuesday 7 January) at which councillors will debate Thurrock Council’s participation in the Government’s priority programme for devolution. Cabinet will meet later this evening to make a decision.
If Cabinet approve the recommendations, and Essex County Council and Southend City Council also agree to participate in the priority programme, a joint letter will be sent to Government on Friday 10 January.
Devolution will see a mayoral county combined authority established in April 2026, and a mayoral election take place in May 2026. This will mean that decisions previously taken by government are made locally, helping ensure that services truly reach those that need them the most, that economic growth is created and directed to better benefit residents and that councils can deliver transport improvements which serve local people and communities.
Participation in the devolution priority programme would also commit authorities to local government reorganisation. Proposals for reorganisation must be submitted to Government by autumn 2025.
Cllr John Kent, Leader of Thurrock Council, said: “Devolution will create opportunities for local areas to take charge of strategic decision making about how they grow and develop in a way that helps residents, communities and local businesses thrive and prosper.
“The reorganisation should help local authorities deliver better and more efficient services for residents, something which is a priority for all of us.
“The Government have been clear about its desire for this to happen, so we have an opportunity to get on board and be at the forefront of one of the most momentous changes to local government in more than a generation.
“I look forward to discussing this with fellow councillors and working positively and proactively with colleagues across wider Essex.”