Frequently Asked Questions - Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) for Southend-on-Sea
Why is devolution and local government reorganisation (LGR) being proposed?
The Government believes that devolution over a large area, at the same time as local government reorganisation (LGR), can boost the economy and deliver better public services.
They think that simpler local government structures will:
- make it easier for residents to know who delivers their services
- make it easier for residents to know who deals with local issues
- result in better services for the local community
How is devolution different from LGR?
Devolution is about transferring powers and funding from government to local areas. This gives them powers and funding that they don't currently have.
LGR aims to simplify and reduce the number of councils across the country. It will create larger unitary councils, which means:
- a more streamlined and effective system
- better value for money
Unitary councils are responsible for all council services in an area. We are an example of a small unitary council.
What is Greater Essex?
Greater Essex refers to the combined area represented by:
- Essex County Council,
- Southend-on-Sea City Council, and
- Thurrock Council
What is a devolution agreement?
Groups of councils in an area can reach a devolution agreement with the Government on how powers and funding will be handed down to them.
Devolution agreements also set out:
- how new authorities will operate,
- manage their finances, and
- be governed
What would devolution and LGR mean for Southend?
In Southend-on-Sea, the same council services would still be provided, but by a newly formed and larger unitary authority. This new council would cover a wider area than just Southend-on-Sea. It would be one of several newly formed authorities in Greater Essex, replacing:
- the current county,
- two unitaries, and
- twelve district councils
The shape of a new local government structure in Greater Essex is yet to be determined. The Government has invited us to submit a proposal for how we could reorganise current structures. Also invited were:
- Essex County Council
- Essex's district councils, and
- Thurrock Council.
Central government will review the proposal and decide later this year.
A new Mayoral Strategic Authority for the whole of Greater Essex would be created to receive greater powers and funding from central government. This strategic authority would be responsible for issues such as:
- economic growth,
- improving infrastructure, and
- reducing inequalities.
What's our timeline for devolution?
- 5 February 2025 - Government announcement that Greater Essex has been accepted on the Devolution Priority Programme
- by May 2026 - Southend-on-Sea City Council, along with Essex County Council and Thurrock Council, are committed to establishing a Mayoral Strategic Authority - Mayoral elections would take place in that month
What's our timeline for LGR?
We have to submit:
- an interim proposal by 21 March 2025, and
- a final proposal by 26 September 2025
The timeline for the full process depends on the Government's decisions about the proposals they receive. If our proposals are agreed, elections to a new shadow unitary authority could be expected in May 2027. This will follow public consultation in 2026. New unitary authorities could go fully live in April 2028.
Do residents have a say in this?
Yes. The Government is running a public consultation on devolution in Greater Essex. This consultation will be open from 17 February and closes at 11:59pm on 13 April 2025.
To make sure everyone has a chance to respond, it will be promoted:
- in Southend, and
- across wider Essex
Later in the year, the Government will run a public consultation on LGR in Greater Essex, as required to by law.
What stage are we at?
The Government asked councils in two-tier council areas to respond with views and expressions of interest by 10 January 2025. We did this in partnership with Thurrock Council and Essex County Council. We received confirmation that we had been accepted onto the Devolution Priority Programme on 5 February 2025.
We are now working with the Government and our colleagues and partners across Greater Essex to:
- develop a devolution agreement
- explore the potential for LGR.
Who has agreed that devolution and LGR will happen in Southend?
The Leaders of Southend-on-Sea City Council, Essex County Council and Thurrock Council wrote to the Deputy Prime Minister in October 2024. This stated that we were keen to work with them on a devolution agreement for the Greater Essex area.
Following a decision by our Cabinet members on 9 January 2025, a letter from these same group of council leaders was sent to Jim McMahon OBE MP, Minister for Local Government and Devolution. The letter was to request that we all be included in the Devolution Priority Programme. This followed an extraordinary meeting on 8 January 2025, when the idea to write the letter was considered and supported by our Full Council.
The Government announced on 5 February 2025 that Greater Essex had been accepted onto the Devolution Priority Programme.
Will Southend still be a city after devolution and LGR?
Yes, Southend's City status will be protected. There are several things we can do to keep our:
- city status, and
- ceremonial mayor
We will explore them all.
What is the role of a directly elected mayor for Greater Essex?
To work alongside local leaders to:
- create a long-term vision
- secure more money
- be a strong voice and champion for the area
A directly elected mayor:
- is not a serving councillor
- will not replace the leaders of existing councils
Once elected, mayors serve a 4-year term. Following this, they can choose to stand for re-election. There is no limit on how many terms a mayor can serve.
Will Southend-on-Sea get a directly elected mayor?
Yes, if we get a devolution agreement with the Government. This would create a mayoral combined county authority, covering the areas of:
- Essex County Council,
- Thurrock Council, and
- Southend-on-Sea City Council
It would be set up in April 2026, and we would hold a mayoral election in May 2026.
The mayor that is elected will have a unique role. It will allow them and the new mayoral combined county authority to focus on using the powers and funding given to us by the Government.
Essex, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock Council's leaders will be expected to continue to focus on:
- leading their place, and
- delivering vital council services.
What will happen to Southend-on-Sea's ceremonial Mayor?
They will continue to carry out their role as normal throughout the process of:
- LGR, and
- Devolution
Throughout the process and afterwards, there are legal measures available that will allow us to preserve both:
- our city status
- the role of our ceremonial mayor
How does the introduction of a Combined County Authority affect local councils?
After devolution is agreed, but before LGR takes place, we will continue to work as we currently do.
After LGR has taken place, the new unitary councils will work with the new mayoral combined county authority to use the powers and funding they received from devolution to make public services better.
Read more about Combined Authorities in the LGA's publication.
How will the council's services be delivered in the future?
This will be part of our LGR proposal. Devolution and LGR create opportunities to:
- transform, and
- improve services
We will prioritise the delivery of high-quality public services to the local community.
What new powers will Southend receive from devolution?
The English Devolution White Paper explains what jobs and responsibilities local elected leaders, especially mayors, will have. This is in relation to how they will help their areas grow and improve services. The main areas they will focus on are:
Transport and local infrastructure
Making plans for:
- local transport
- managing buses
- working with railways
- taking care of local roads and projects
Skills and employment support
- creating local job and skills programs
- working on plans to improve skills
- helping design job support programs
Housing and strategic planning
Making plans for:
- where new houses and buildings should go
- checking housing needs
- having more control over planning applications and housing projects
Economic development and regeneration
- attracting international investment
- supporting local businesses
- creating lively places
Environment and climate change
- Protecting the environment
- addressing climate change
Health, wellbeing, and public service reform
Improving:
- health services
- other public services
Public safety
- ensuring the safety of the public
These areas might be expanded in the future.