‘It'll be full of opportunity’: Thurrock Council boss welcomes new authority plans

The two south Essex councils are considering combining so they have greater control over decision making away from Essex County Council.

Together, the councils will consider signing a Memorandum of Understanding, concreting their intentions to team up and work more closely with each other.

The document sets out guidance on how the two will work together over matters related to local Government reform.

Rob Gledhill, leader of Thurrock Council, said: “South West Essex is alive with opportunity.

“It is the beating heart of the Essex economy and a major player in linking London with the rest of the country and the rest of the world.

“Our ambition is for the people and businesses of Thurrock and Basildon to realise the potential of this region and to make sure that growth is inclusive – putting them at the forefront of the opportunities that local decision-making can achieve.”

The creation of a south Essex unitary authority was touted last year, and now the two councils are preparing to format he “South West Essex Unitary Authority”.

It would give the council’s similar control to Southend Council, allowing bosses more involvement in improvements to roads and setting budgets.

And Basildon Council leader Gavin Callaghan says this is the first option for bosses to look at as the borough “begins the process of divorcing from Essex County Council”.

He said: “We already understand that in our region, Basildon and Thurrock share a meaningful geography. Many local families live and work across the borough borders.

“What we are seeking to explore is whether or not this is a once in a generation opportunity to put the decisions and issues that affect local people back into the hands of local people.

“We know this is a long road ahead and there may be other options we look at along the way. However South West Essex has an identity and an industry that could make for a formidable council to rival any major UK city. This is a chance we must seize.”

BASILDON and Thurrock Councils are set to join forces and explore the possibility of a new South West Essex Unitary Authority.

Together, the councils will consider signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), concreting their intentions to team up and work more closely with each other on local government proposals for both Basildon and Thurrock.

The document sets out guidance on how the two will work together over matters related to local Government reform.

And Basildon Council leader Gavin Callaghan says this is the first option for bosses to look at as the borough “begins the process of divorcing from Essex County Council”.

It’s hoped the move will help councils take control of the decisions made about the two boroughs, and develop a robust proposal for the area.

This could include the creation of a new unitary authority, one which provides all of the local government services for residents in Basildon and Thurrock under one roof.

Gavin Callaghan, leader of Basildon Council, said: “We already understand that in our region, Basildon and Thurrock share a meaningful geography. Many local families live and work across the borough borders.

“What we are seeking to explore is whether or not this is a once in a generation opportunity to put the decisions and issues that affect local people back into the hands of local people.

“We know this is a long road ahead and there may be other options we look at along the way. However South West Essex has an identity and an industry that could make for a formidable council to rival any major UK city. This is a chance we must seize.”

It’s hoped the MoU will maximise the economic and social benefits of a new local authority for Basildon and Thurrock – ensuring that the differences and unique opportunities in each borough are respected, and the voices from both boroughs are equally represented.

Rob Gledhill, leader of Thurrock Council, added: “South West Essex is alive with opportunity. It is the beating heart of the Essex economy and a major player in linking London with the rest of the country and the rest of the world.

“Our ambition is for the people and businesses of Thurrock and Basildon to realise the potential of this region and to make sure that growth is inclusive – putting them at the forefront of the opportunities that local decision-making can achieve.”