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Thurrock Council Welcomes New Government Funding for Greater Essex Devolution

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Thurrock Council and the UK Government have announced a significant breakthrough in the devolution process for Greater Essex. The Government has committed £3 million over three years to support the establishment of a Mayoral Combined County Authority (MCCA) for Greater Essex, a key step towards unlocking significant opportunities and benefits for residents. This development follows the successful conclusion of the Greater Essex devolution consultation, which engaged residents and businesses in the county. The proposed devolution deal aims to establish a directly elected Mayor for Greater Essex, with new devolved powers and funding to drive forward growth, investment, and local priorities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UK Government has committed £3 million over three years to support the establishment of a Mayoral Combined County Authority (MCCA) for Greater Essex.
  • The funding will support the legal and practical work associated with establishing the MCCA, including preparing for a potential Mayoral election in May 2026.
  • Devolution could unlock billions of pounds' worth of growth, investment, and local priorities, putting Greater Essex firmly on the national map.
  • The proposals focus on creating a directly elected Mayor for Greater Essex, with new devolved powers and funding to drive forward growth, investment, and local priorities.
  • Thurrock Council will continue to serve its communities as it does now, and the proposals are not about reorganising or merging councils.
  • The Greater Essex devolution deal aims to improve skills and jobs, accelerate housing delivery, and tackle inequality, including health outcomes.
  • Cllr Lynn Worrall, Leader of Thurrock Council, has welcomed the funding, stating that it will help make the proposed devolution deal a reality.

Statistics:

  • £3 million of capacity funding over three years to support the establishment of a Mayoral Combined County Authority (MCCA) for Greater Essex.
  • £1 million per year contributed by the Government for the next three years.
  • The Greater Essex devolution consultation ran from 17 February to 13 April 2023 (not 2025 as stated in the original text).
  • Proposed devolution deal aims to establish a directly elected Mayor for Greater Essex in May 2026.
  • Potential opportunities and benefits for residents, including unlocking billions of pounds' worth of growth and investment.

Sources:

  • Thurrock Council news release
  • Thurrock Council website - Devolution

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