Agenda item
Greater Essex Devolution
Minutes:
The Director of Strategy, Engagement and
Growth introduced the report and stated that the devolution
proposal was in response to the Government’s White Paper and
framework in 2022. She explained that the report outlined the
opportunities, as listed in the White Paper, as well as wider
opportunities for Thurrock outside of the framework. She stated
that Appendix 2 contained the Expression of Interest, but the
purpose of the report was to start a conversation between local
authorities in Essex with Government and did not decide upon a
deal. She explained that any potential deal would take
approximately six months to negotiate, and would require member
agreement and public consultation. She commented that the report
would be going to Cabinet next week and would present two options:
the first being support the Expression of Interest; the second
being to play no further part in Greater Essex Devolution moving
forward. She explained that similar devolution reports had been
through Cabinet at Essex County Council and Southend-on-Sea City
Council, who had both supported the Expression of Interest. She
stated that Southend City Council had not supported the level three
option, but had supported level two. Councillor Coxshall added that
the conversation regarding devolution was also being discussed by
the borough’s MPs, and felt it was important to engage in the
process.
Councillor Kent agreed that Thurrock should be part of a devolution
deal, but did not agree that Greater Essex devolution would be
right for Thurrock. He felt that the differences between north and
south Essex were too great, as Thurrock was drawn closer to London
than other parts of Essex. He expressed concern regarding the role
of Essex County Council, as Chelmsford was far from Thurrock and
Thurrock collected more business rates than elsewhere in Essex, and
felt that this should not be distributed across the county. He also
felt concerned regarding the mayoral model and accompanying council
tax precept, as he felt this would add another level of government.
He questioned when the all Member
briefing session had been held, and if Thurrock Members had been
invited. The Director of Strategy, Engagement and Growth replied
that two all Member briefings had been arranged in January by
Tendring Council, and all Essex Councillors had been invited.
Councillor Coxshall shared some of Councillor Kent’s
concerns, but felt that Thurrock needed to be involved in the
conversation. He stated that a south Essex devolution deal was not
currently being proposed, but this may be a viable option in
future. He also shared concern regarding the impact devolution
could have on the Thames Freeport, as the devolution deal would
mean two Freeports in one combined authority area, which could be
difficult to deliver. Councillor Kent added that as Essex also
contained two major airports, the taxes of which would be
hypothecated across the county. He also felt the Expression of
Interest could be more ambitious in that regard.
The Chair sought clarification regarding the different devolution
levels proposed. The Director of Strategy, Engagement and Growth
explained that level two devolution did not include a mayor, but
level three had a mayoral model and therefore a mayoral council tax
precept. The Chair summarised and stated that he could see the
challenges of devolution, but felt that the Council needed to
engage. The Committee supported being part of the discussions with
Government through the Expression of Interest submission.
RESOLVED: The Committee:
1. Considered and commented on the Expression of Interest and
submission to Government to begin a dialogue for a Greater Essex
devolution deal and understanding the benefits it might bring to
the residents of Thurrock, or whether to take no further part in
the process at this time.
Supporting documents:
- Greater Essex Devolution, item 36. PDF 124 KB
- Greater Essex Devolution - Appendix 1, item 36. PDF 65 KB
- Greater Essex Devolution - Appendix 2, item 36. PDF 219 KB