Thurrock Council has published its full proposal for changes to future local government in Essex as the deadline looms for all county local authorities to submit their own ideas to ministers.
At next week’s Cabinet meeting, Thurrock’s most senior councillors will have the opportunity to endorse a proposal which is focused on creating four new unitary local authorities in Essex, with value-for-money, financial stability and keeping decision-making close to communities at its core.
The proposal has been developed following months of discussion, debate and engagement – including with Thurrock residents through a summer programme of online and in-person events which have been led by the Leader of the Council.
Cllr Lynn Worrall, Leader of Thurrock Council said: “I believe that Thurrock’s Cabinet has before it a carefully developed and costed proposal that has value-for-money and good services for local residents at its core.
“It has been informed by the views of local people and I want to thank all the residents, members and partners who took the time over the summer to share their views. We heard that making sure the finances stack up was an absolute priority for residents. We also heard that local people want their services to improve, and they want councils to stay close to the communities they serve. All of this is reflected in our proposal.
“Our proposal calls for four unitary councils to be created, with geographies that make sense and which retain local identity. We’ve carefully assessed how key services will work, such as adults and children’s social care and education, and based all our plans on evidence and ensuring equity.
“Our role in shaping these plans is a privilege but also a huge responsibility. I have lived in Essex my whole life and I care deeply about its future. We must make sure we maintain what makes this place what it is, but also embrace the future and address the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead. We must create a system that drives prosperity for all and continues to protect the most vulnerable in our communities. We must step forward and think afresh what local government can and should be for the rest of this century.”
The full business case, which Cabinet members will consider, is available here: Cabinet - Wednesday, 17 September