The Leaders of Essex County Council, Southend on Sea City Council and Thurrock Council have welcomed the publication of the Government’s English Devolution White Paper. This includes the opportunities it presents for improving services for residents and businesses.
Councillor Kevin Bentley, Leader of Essex County Council, said:
The government has published its White Paper on devolution. We will now examine this carefully before any decisions are made.
“We are also considering the opportunities and implications of the Government’s invitation to submit proposals for the reorganisation of local councils.
“Residents and businesses are at the heart of all we do. We always want better services and opportunities for them. This is why we are enthusiastic about the potential of a devolution deal for Essex and more localised powers.
“We believe both will help us do an even better job for those that live or work in Essex.”
Councillor Daniel Cowan, Leader of Southend-on-Sea City Council, said:
I am pleased that the long-awaited White Paper has now been published and look forward to reading it in detail.
“Devolution offers major opportunities to drive the investment and growth that is needed in Southend-on-Sea and across Greater Essex. Similarly, reorganisation gives the chance to make positive changes to local services and as a well-established unitary authority, we know the benefits of single tier local Government and are well placed to make the most of any changes.
“Most importantly though, all of this offers the opportunity to benefit the lives of local people and businesses and improve local services. This is crucial and will be at the forefront of our minds as we look to progress this.”
Councillor John Kent, Leader of Thurrock Council, said:
Devolution can help us realise the huge economic potential that exists in Thurrock, in a way that works for the benefit of our residents, helping families thrive and prosper. It could mean we have additional powers to make sure local services reach those that need them the most, that economic growth is directed to benefit our residents and that we can deliver transport improvements to service local people and communities.
“We will be looking closely at what local government reorganisation could mean for Thurrock and Essex. Our first consideration is what’s best for the residents of Thurrock.”