This is a joint media statement issued from: Councillor Graham Butland (Leader of Braintree District Council), Councillor David King (Leader of Colchester City Council) and Councillor Mark Stephenson (Leader of Tendring District Council). 

“We acknowledge Southend City Council, Thurrock Council and Essex County Council’s decision to request to join the government’s Devolution Priority Programme, and recognise this is the start of a significant process that will require a great deal of collaboration and hard work across all levels of local government. 

“Though we may take different personal and political views about the potential benefits and drawbacks of both Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation, we all agree that decisions are best made locally. 

“We therefore collectively welcome the devolution of powers from central government, and believe the creation of a Strategic Authority for Greater Essex will be a positive step. 

“If Local Government Reorganisation is to go ahead, then we believe that the sensible geography for a unitary authority would be Braintree, Colchester and Tendring, which would meet the government criteria set out in its Devolution White Paper on population size. North East Essex is a functional economic area and, crucially, we have a strong track record of successful delivery between the three councils and Essex County Council. 

“This includes the shared Section One of our Local Plans, work on garden communities, as well as wider partnership work and other shared services. 

“We will be committed to working constructively together on this in the months ahead to deliver the best outcome for our residents and businesses.

“This constructive work will continue despite any political or policy differences we may have, recognising our right to uphold those different viewpoints alongside any directive we may be given by our full councils – all of which will be discussing this in upcoming meetings. 

We will all continue to work hard to deliver day-in day-out quality services for our communities as this transition work continues, understanding that while this process takes place our residents and businesses still need and deserve our focus, attention and support.”

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