Southend Cabinet set to consider the creation of a Greater Essex Mayoral Strategic Authority to unlock £1.2bn in devolution benefits

At an extraordinary meeting, Cabinet (21 October) will be asked to reaffirm its support for the establishment of a Greater Essex Mayoral Strategic Authority and consent to revised regulations that could allow the new strategic authority to be created in early 2027, subject to parliamentary approval.

This meeting will follow an extraordinary Full Council meeting held on the same evening, and also the move follows a joint letter from the leaders of Essex County Council, Southend-on-Sea City Council and Thurrock Council supporting the progression of devolution.

Cllr Daniel Cowan, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Devolution, said: "Devolution is a significant opportunity for Southend and will bring £1.2bn of benefits to Greater Essex over the long term.

"It will give our city a stronger voice in decisions on transport, skills, housing and economic growth, while helping bring investment and decision-making closer to the communities they affect.

"Crucially, Southend-on-Sea City Council would remain responsible for delivering local services to residents, while working with partners across Greater Essex on the issues that are best tackled at a wider scale."

Additional information

• The proposed Greater Essex Mayoral Strategic Authority (MSA) would be governed by elected members from Southend-on-Sea City Council, Essex County Council, and Thurrock Council. Southend would therefore have a stronger role in shaping strategic decisions affecting the wider area.
• The MSA would not replace any local councils and residents would continue to receive day-to-day local services from Southend-on-Sea City Council.
• Devolution would provide Greater Essex with additional powers and responsibilities over strategic issues including transport, adult skills, economic growth and investment.
• The devolution agreement includes a 30-year investment fund worth up to £1.2 billion across Greater Essex.
• The report being considered relates to consent for the establishment of a Greater Essex Mayoral Strategic Authority and the laying of the revised regulations before Parliament.
• Any future local government reorganisation proposals are separate to the establishment of a Greater Essex Mayoral Strategic Authority and would be subject to their own decision-making processes.
• The decision on the date of the first mayoral election for Greater Essex is for the Secretary of State to make.