Essex, Southend-on -Sea and Thurrock make up Greater Essex. The Government has confirmed that Greater Essex will work towards a Level 2 devolution deal.
Under the Level 2 deal, there would be a new Greater Essex Combined Authority. This would mean the three authorities make collective decisions about the power and budget given to them by the Government.
Essex County Council, Southend-on-Sea City Council and Thurrock Council will not merge under the deal. Each authority would remain independent.
The Greater Essex Combined Authority would include the former role of the Local Enterprise Partnership. This follows the Government’s previous decision to disband them. City, district and borough councils in Essex would also have a voice under the Combined Authority.
The deal would not establish a directly elected mayor for Greater Essex.
It will mean greater focus on improving local skills, transport planning and potentially additional funding for specific capital projects.
Councillor Kevin Bentley, Leader of Essex County Council, said:
This is a game-changer for Greater Essex, which will serve to further strengthen the Essex economy and improve public services for the benefit of residents and businesses across Essex, Southend and Thurrock.
“There is a way to go before the deal is finalised and we will be working hard over the coming weeks to ensure we achieve the best possible outcome for Greater Essex ahead of the Autumn Budget Statement. We will be pushing for the best deal possible for Greater Essex.”
The three authorities will finalise the deal ahead of the Autumn Budget Statement on 22 November. Essex, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock Councils will then undertake full public consultations on it.