The Cabinet considered a report of the Chief Executive setting out progress to date on conversations with Essex County Council and Thurrock Borough Council regarding the opportunities associated with devolution to Greater Essex (GE).  The report also presented the Expression of Interest (EOI) for consideration which would be submitted by the three upper tier constituent authorities (Southend, Essex and Thurrock) to Government.

Resolved:

1. That the devolution Expression of Interest, set out at Appendix 2 to the submitted report, be approved for submission to Government to start the beginning of the process to discuss with government whether a devolution deal is suitable for Greater Essex and what elements of the framework would form part of a potential deal.

2. That the Leader, in consultation with the Chief Executive, be authorised to make amendments to the Expression of Interest, set out at appendix 2 to the submitted report, prior to its submission to Government.

Reasons for decision:

To approve the submission of the devolution Expression of Interest to government as a starting point for dialogue and discussion whether a devolution deal is suitable for Greater Essex and what elements of the framework would form part of a potential deal.

Other options:

Do nothing.  There is no legal requirement for areas to enter into a deal with Government.  However, not pursuing dialogue with Government means that Greater Essex has effectively ruled out devolution without fully understanding and considering its potential benefits and risks falling further behind the growing number of other areas nationally, and within Greater Essex, who are benefitting from devolution deals.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr George