Essex devolution deal to be finalised in 'coming weeks'

Negotiations with the government over a new devolution deal for Essex will be finalised "over the coming weeks", the county council has said.

A group of councils in the county have put together proposals for a Greater Essex Combined Authority.

Essex County Council said it would work with Thurrock and Southend, with more decision-making powers over local transport and skills funding.

However, Essex would not have a mayor under the plans.

County council leader Kevin Bentley said the deal was a "game-changer."

"[It} will serve to further strengthen the Essex economy and improve public services for the benefit of residents and businesses," he said.

English regions including the North East, York and North Yorkshire, East Midlands and Norfolk and Suffolk are in the process - or have already - put together devolution deals.

The county council, Southend-on-Sea City Council, Thurrock Council and the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner have drafted up the proposals in Essex.

Each local authority would continue to operate in tandem with the new combined authority.

Conservative Mr Bentley previously promised that it would create 50,000 jobs and a £1bn investment fund over a 30-year period which would go towards infrastructure, such as new roads.

Opposition councillors in Essex have pointed out the extra money equates to roughly £17 per head in the county.

Tony Cox, Conservative leader of Southend-on-Sea City Council, said: "This marks a significant milestone for devolution locally."

Andrew Jefferies, Tory leader of Thurrock Council, said: "We are keen to explore the opportunities and can see the potential of devolution."

Mr Bentley previously proposed a directly elected mayor - voted for by the public - but the BBC understands this plan was opposed by Southend councillors.

Labour councillor Matthew Dent posted on X: "I have my reservations about this, but ruling out a directly-elected mayor is a good thing."

Stephen Robinson, Liberal Democrat leader of Chelmsford City Council, said: "If it delivers, I shall be pleased, but we remain sceptical about the additional bureaucracy required that delivers relatively small benefits.

"We wait for the detail. I expect it won't make much difference to people's lives and particularly the levelling up agenda.

"None of this will address the fundamental financial challenges facing every council in the country."

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