In February this year, Essex County Council, alongside Thurrock Council and Southend-on-Sea Council, were confirmed by the Government as part of the Priority Devolution Programme. This significant development will bring about changes to the way local government operates in Essex, with a directly elected Mayor and a new unitary council structure.
Over the coming weeks and months, we will be providing regular updates on the progress of the devolution plans, including the key objectives, timeline, and implications for the sector. We will also be sharing information on what the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) are doing to support Parish and Town Councils through this process.
Our updates will cover the following topics:
- Key objectives and milestones in the devolution process
- Implications for Town and Parish councils, including potential changes to services and funding
- Updates on NALC’s response to the Government’s White Paper on devolution
- EALC’s activities and support for members during this period, including (free) Clerk’s forums.
We will be publishing regular updates via email to Clerks and on our website at www.ealc.gov.uk/devolution. Our aim is to keep you informed and up-to-date throughout this process, and to provide support and guidance as needed. Please send all enquiries to memberenquiries@ealc.gov.uk.