Thurrock Council endorsed the creation of a new Mayoral authority for Greater Essex at its Cabinet meeting on 17 September - a landmark step that could see more powers, funding, and decisions made closer to the people of Thurrock and Greater Essex, which will bring significant benefits to local residents.
Benefits can include:
- Unlocking billions of pounds of growth by improving transport networks, delivering new infrastructure, and attracting inward investment;
- More influence with government over the things that affect local people, without losing identity for Greater Essex's towns and communities;
- Boosting skills and jobs, as well as accelerating housing delivery and tackling inequality across communities.
If approved by Government, the new Greater Essex Mayoral Combined County Authority (MCCA) will be created in early 2026 - led by an elected Mayor representing the whole of Greater Essex, with the first election for Mayor proposed for May 2026.
Cllr Lynn Worrall, Leader of Thurrock Council, said: “This is a once-in-a-generation chance for Thurrock, and I welcome this update on the considerable progress being made to create a new Mayoral authority for Greater Essex. Devolution means we will have more say over our future, control over transport, homes, jobs, and investment.”
“Cabinet’s decision today puts us firmly on the path to securing a stronger voice for our communities and ensuring the things that matter most to local people are decided here, not in Westminster. By working with our partners in Southend-on-Sea City Council and Essex County Council, we can make sure the whole region benefits.”
“Devolution is about giving residents more influence over the services and opportunities that affect their daily lives. A Mayor for Greater Essex will be directly accountable to local people and will have a clear mandate to deliver change and drive improvement across all three council areas.”
For more information on devolution, please visit the Thurrock Council website > Devolution.