In December 2024, the Government released its English Devolution White Paper, which sets out a direction of travel to reshape and empower local authorities through devolution and reorganisation.
About Devolution
Devolution is the transfer of powers and funding from central government to local authority level.
The Government’s intention is for devolution to be accompanied by a directly elected mayor. A devolution deal would create a new single body known as a strategic authority, which is a separate legal entity with its own board and governance arrangements. The key functions of the strategic authority would include strategic transport functions, such as support for buses, trains and concessionary fares, skills and driving economic growth.
About the LGR
The Government’s long term vision is for simpler council structures, which make it clear who is responsible for services.
The White Paper set out the Government’s direction to deliver this through the creation of unitary authorities.
There are twelve district or borough councils in Essex and two existing unitary authorities, Thurrock Council and Southend Council, which will make up any future unitary councils across Essex.
For more information, you can view the following websites and documents:
- Devolution - GOV.UK
- Joint statement from the Leaders of Essex County Council, Thurrock Council and Southend-on-Sea City Council
- Devolution | Essex County Council