Councillor G Coxshall stated that he came into this process annoyed as he found about the plan as it had been published by another Local Authority. Councillor G Coxshall commented that he would have liked to see more detail and noted that Norfolk and Suffolk had provided modelling for authorities which Thurrock has not done yet. Councillor G Coxshall stated that he detests the idea of 5 Local Authorities. Historically, Thurrock has had a low rate of council tax and he would like to see work completed on what is the right level based on evidence. Councillor G Coxshall requested that the final proposal is brought to Full Council so all 49 members can vote.

Councillor N Speight read for a pre-prepared statement:

“With the creation of a mayoral role and a much larger unitary authority set to follow, the gap between ‘grass roots’ and the power base will inevitably grow. There will be fewer locally-based councillors with a voice at the table and less of an opportunity for local voices to be heard. I have spoken critically in this piece but I would like to make a constructive suggestion to end. There are currently around 10,000 community, neighbourhood, parish and town councils in place in England run under the eye of the National Association of Parish Councils. The activities fall into three categories: delivering some local services to meet local needs, giving the community a voice and representation, and improving the quality of life and community wellbeing. These councils run numerous services, depending on their council size. These include delivering services (such as allotments, car parks, celebrations and festivals, community buses, litter bins, parks and open spaces, public toilets and street lights), improving the quality of life with community projects and services, suitable housing, setting up dementia-friendly groups, solar panels, tackling loneliness and youth projects, and giving the community a locally heard voice on planning matters. I would suggest, some, if not all of those functions, could help increase the effectiveness of local governance and assist the mayoral office and the unitary authority. We therefore have precedent and we do not need to reinvent the rule book. In Thurrock we have a network of Forums, which could perhaps take on some of these roles. There is an opportunity for Thurrock Council to consider how to create a ‘first tier’. It would mean allocating a small precept to each local group but it would be a sign that this council still values local communities and their voice. I would urge the decision-makers in our executive to give thought to supporting a first tier in the future proposals put forward. May be, in this instance it will be a case of ‘smaller is better’.

Councillor J Halden stated that Thurrock needs to recruit a proper delivery unit on this so we can negotiate up with the Government. Councillor J Halden also supported reports going to Full Council as he was of the view it was unlikely by the time a report got to cabinet there would be time to change it.

Councillor B Johnson agreed future reports should be sent to Full Council and stated that he doesn’t mind how many meetings he has to attend on this.

Councillor V Morris-Cook stated that in her view the voluntary sector should have a seat at the table as they have an awful lot to contribute. Councillor V Morris- Cook stated that the evidence base is paramount and she was concerned some of the evidence is dated. Councillor V Morris-Cook stated that she is nervous that we are asking for an inspection furlough as checks and balances are there for a reason.

Councillor Muldowney welcomed the report and stated that there will be huge challenges and lots of work to do. The main priority is making sure the changes are good for the people of Thurrock. Councillor Muldowney stated that she will only support changes backed by real evidence. There will be more information coming out. Councillor Muldowney stated that the plan does not commit Thurrock to any one course of action and if it does not hold up financially she will not support it.

Councillor Worrall stated that they are only at the beginning of the process and this cabinet will not close other members off. A cross party working group has been set up. Councillor Worrall stated that another council published the interim plan which was a draft copy and contained spelling and grammar mistakes. Councillor Worrall asked members to embrace the work they have done and stated that Thurrock will always punch above its weight and Thurrock has a secret weapon with Dr Dave Smith as he has already done this.

Councillor L Watson stated that in her opinion Thurrock is the jewel in the crown of Essex. The next 6 months are imperative and once the decision is made they will have to pull services together quickly. Councillor Watson welcomed other members to come and talk to them.

Councillor J Kent stated that it was difficult to coordinate 15 Local Authorities and he noted that Hampshire had already asked for more time. Councillor J Kent noted what had been said about the decision being brought to Full Council and stated that he would look at a themed meeting in September. Councillor J Kent added that they are looking to recruit some officers to deliver on Devolution and LGR.

Councillor J Kent noted Councillor G Coxshall’s comments on voting rights and Councillor Halden’s comments on Greater Manchester. Councillor J Kent summarised that the timeline for devolution and Local Government Reorganisation started on the 7^th January 2025.  The council is now pulling its evidence together and everybody’s evidence together. Thurrock will be part of something bigger, stronger and better able to deliver the services residents deserve.

RESOLVED:

2.1Cabinet agreed the Essex Interim Plan (the Plan) appended to this report;

2.2Cabinet agreed to submit the Plan to the Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution on or before 21^st March 2025, and to note that all local authorities in the Greater Essex area will submit the Plan as set out in the Appendix by the deadline subject to their decision making processes;

2.3Cabinet agreed to delegate to the Assistant Chief Executive authority to submit the Plan on or before 21 March on behalf of the council and to make any amendments following consultation with the Chief Executive / Managing Director Commissioner and the Leader and Deputy Leader to ensure that any changes made by other local authorities can be agreed and reflected appropriately in the final version; and

2.4  Cabinet agreed the delegation in 2.3 includes authority to submit the Plan in circumstances where one or more local authorities in the Greater Essex area do not agree to submit the Plan as set out in the Appendix.

Reason for the decision: as outlined in the report

This decision is subject to call-in