To approve as a correct record the minutes of Cabinet held on 11 December 2024.

The minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 11 December 2024 were approved as a correct record.

To receive additional items that the Chair is of the opinion should be considered as a matter of urgency, in accordance with Section 100B (4) (b) of the Local Government Act 1972.

There were no items of urgent business.

No interests were declared.

There were no statements made by the Leader.

There were no briefings on policy, budget or other issues.

No petitions were submitted by members of the public.

There were no questions from Non-Executive Members.

No matters were referred to cabinet for consideration by an Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

The Leader invited the Non-Executive Member Councillor G Coxshall to update Cabinet on the outcome of the General Services Committee meeting earlier that evening.

Councillor G Coxshall explained that the General Services Committee had voted in favour of the proposed recommendations. Councillor G Coxshall added that Councillor Worrall had proposed that a Working Group is set up if Thurrock is accepted for the priority programme and an additional recommendation at paragraph 1.4 has been added.

The Leader stated that he welcomed Devolution and explained that there were two issues Devolution and Local Government reform. Devolution would mean the creation of a combined Authority under the direction of a Mayor. The UK Government is over-centralised, and Devolution would move powers from central Government to local areas. Essex is a major trading and international gateway, it has two international airports and has huge potential. If economic output increased to the same as the South East the size of our economy could increase by 17%.

The second issue is Local Government reorganisation. The council has been struggling to balance the books and deal with the size of its debt. Thurrock has found it difficult to deliver a basic level of services without Government assistance. There is an opportunity in Local Government reorganisation to provide a good level of public services. There are more questions than answers currently but it will be impossible to deliver if the council stops for the pre-election period. The costs of an election can also not be justified if electing people for just 1 year.

Councillor L Watson stated that Devolution is a really good opportunity. The elections should be postponed so that the council can make sure that they get the best deal for the people of Thurrock.

Councillor Muldowney commented that it was right to cancel the elections due to the expense if Thurrock Council is not going to exist in a few years. Councillor Muldowney also stated that she was pleased to see cross party agreement on this. Local Government reorganisation would see 15 Councils reduce to 3 or 4. It is a huge task and proposals will need to be on the table by autumn of this year. Creating larger unitary councils will make it easier for authorities to be financially viable. It is tough with a small council tax base to deliver good services and there is an opportunity to be more strategic and get all councils in Essex back on to a firm financial footing.

Councillor Hooper stated that Devolution is a great thing. It provides an opportunity to grow in Thurrock and for areas in transport and education to have a growth strategy with the whole of Essex. Councillor Hooper stated that he hoped there would be consultations carried out in the community and he hopes the Working Group will ensure this is done. Councillor Hooper added that he was elected in 2023 and has served for 2 years if there was another election he would not have served the 4  ...  view the full minutes text for item 108.