Latest news
Monday 17 February 2025
The UK government’s consultation on Greater Essex devolution is now live. This is your chance to have a say on the proposal to form a Mayoral Combined County Authority. This would cover the local government areas of Essex County Council, Thurrock Council and Southend-on-Sea City Council.
Wednesday 5 February
The UK government has confirmed that Essex will be part of its Devolution Priority Programme. This includes Essex County Council, Southend-on-Sea City Council and Thurrock Council. The UK government has also confirmed that the elections scheduled for May this year for Essex County Council and Thurrock Council will be suspended.
Friday 10 January 2025
Following an extraordinary Full Council meeting held on Friday 10 January 2025, Essex County Council, alongside Southend-on-Sea City Council and Thurrock Council, has written to the UK government to request inclusion on the government’s Priority Programme for Devolution.
Tuesday 7 January 2025
An extraordinary Full Council meeting will be taking place on Friday 10 January 2025. In it, Councillors will discuss whether Essex County Council should take part in the Government’s devolution priority programme, which includes local government reorganisation and the potential for new unitary (all-purpose) council structures to be introduced across Essex.
Read the devolution blog by the Leader of Essex County Council, Councillor Kevin Bentley.