Maldon District Council worries over Essex devolution plans

The council's response was approved on April 3, and will now be submitted to the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG) before April 13.

This comes as a result of the government's December 2024, English Devolution White Paper aimed at shifting power from Westminster to local communities.

Essex County Council, Thurrock Council, and Southend-on-Sea City Council have shown interest in establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority for Essex, and elections for a mayor are planned for May 2026.

A consultation led by MHCLG seeks opinions on this proposed authority, which would cover the local government areas of the three councils.

Councillor Richard Siddall, leader of Maldon District Council, said: "As a district council, our response states that the proposed voting members of the Mayoral Combined County Authority must be balanced more fairly across the county.

"District councils need to have a voice in stating where the funding and investment is required and in developing the strategies that will shape Essex."

He added that if done well, "Mayoral devolution can offer an opportunity to unlock funding and deliver infrastructure and services where they are needed the most."

However, the council is concerned about losing their ability to voice the district's needs due to a lack of representation, especially from the north of the district.

The council supports the inception of a locality board to ensure the district's needs are prioritised.

This would provide a means to gain access to the devolved powers and resources, ensuring that the Mayoral Combined County Authority across the county recognises specific local needs.