Cllr. Lynn Worrall, Leader of Thurrock Council comments on the statement from the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government which includes his intention to delay Mayoral elections in Greater Essex and other English regions participating in the Devolution Priority Programme.
Cllr Worrall said: “It is obviously disappointing that ministers have decided more time is needed to organise elections for a new Mayor for Greater Essex and to deliver on this major reform to regional government. Much work and preparation has been done – and will continue to be done – as councils across Essex work hard to deliver on this government’s agenda to devolve powers to communities.
“Along with our partners across the county, we will need to take some time to assess the impact of the decision on our work to establish a new Mayoral Strategic Authority for Essex. Devolving powers on economic development and growth, jobs and transport closer to the communities that need that investment is something that we have lobbied on for some time as we believe the benefits for Thurrock residents and businesses are clear. Despite this decision today, we are very much focused on achieving that goal.
Read the written ministerial statement announcing the decision here.
You can find out more about work to deliver a strategic authority for Greater Essex, here: thurrock.gov.uk/improvement/devolution