All residents can respond to the Government consultation which closes on April 13th
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/greater-essex-devolution/greater-essex-devolution-consultation
The leader of Essex County Council has welcomed the ‘huge opportunity’ to shift power out of central government and into the hands of its residents, in its official response to the government’s consultation on devolution.
The council’s response, sent to the government today (Wednesday 9 April 2025) includes expressing its strong support for the proposed creation of a Mayoral Combined County Authority (MCCA). The council believes a MCCA would bring important decisions closer to local people, resulting in:
• greater economic growth and investment
• improved infrastructure and more joined up transport systems
• a more skilled workforce
• better health and reduced inequalities for residents
• more efficient local government services
• an improved environment
The council has also raised a strong objection to the government’s proposals on voting rights for the board of the new MCCA.
Under the government’s current proposals, the County Council would have fewer votes than Southend-on-Sea City Council and Thurrock Council combined. This is despite 80% of the 1.9 million Greater Essex residents living within the county council area. Instead, the County Council believes this 80% deserve at least half of the votes.
Councillor Kevin Bentley, Leader of the Council, said: “This consultation is an important step in determining what devolution will look like for residents living across Greater Essex.
“The creation of a Mayoral Combined County Authority will bring vast benefits to the county, with important decisions being made closer to local people. This will result in greater economic growth, improved infrastructure, reduced inequalities, more efficient local government services, joined up transport and much more.
“We look forward to seeing the results of the consultation from government and progressing with next steps, as well as revised voting arrangements we believe are better reflective of our population size.”
The council has also welcomed £1 million of government funding allocated to Essex County Council, Southend-on-Sea City Council and Thurrock Council to help deliver devolution for residents.
The County Council’s full response to the consultation has been published at Decision Details: Greater Essex Devolution – ECC’s response to the Government Consultation