Talks of a partnership between Southend-on-Sea Council and Thurrock Borough Council will go ahead at Southend's next Cabinet Meeting.

The January 20 meeting will look at how a joint partnership could boost the economy and improve transport.

One of the proposals on the table is to create a ‘Combined Authority' (CA) or an 'Economic Prosperity Board' (EPB).

A Combined Authority does not involve merging Council services, but would create a legally structured partnership.

The new body would then be able to bid for extra powers from central government to drive economic growth and improve transport.

The move could even lead to district councils within South Essex, along with Essex County Council, becoming part of a South Essex CA or EPB.

The Government is currently consulting on the proposed changes, which if approved, would allow non-neighboring local authorities (like Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock) to form combined authorities.

Cllr Ron Woodley, Leader of the Council, said: “Following the disappointing news that Essex County Council are withdrawing from the Thames Gateway South Essex Partnership (TGSEP), this seems to be the natural next step for a revised Thames Gateway South Essex Partnership.

“We have seen in the North of England how Combined Authorities can act as a real driver for jobs and improved transport links, acting as a stronger voice for more investment and powers to deliver change locally.

“Our ambition would be to deliver transport and economic policy more effectively over a wider area and build on the work already done by the TGSEP."