Southend given opportunity to bid for new powers

10:00am Monday 29th October 2012 in News By Emma Thomas

SOUTHEND will be given the chance to bid for new powers to boost growth, Nick Clegg will announce today.

The town is being invited to compete for a “City Deal” which will see the Government devolve powers in exchange for responsibility for delivering growth locally.

England’s eight largest cities have already signed up to the scheme which will see local people given more control over buses and trains as well as the power to set up local investment funds to raise cash for projects.

Today’s announcement will see the 14 largest cities and six with the highest population growth given the opportunity to participate in wave two of the initiative. Southend will be asked to put forward proposals by January 15, 2013.

Nigel Holdcroft, leader of Southend Council, said: "We are delighted that Southend has been approached. We regard this as an excellent opportunity to provide better value for money and more focused delivery for our residents and will be pursuing it enthusiastically.”

“City Deals” are a key part of the Government’s objectives to rebalance the economy and boost private sector growth.

Deputy Prime Minster Nick Clegg said: “I want Southend to come up with ambitious and innovative proposals to help them make changes that will be felt by everyone across their region.

“In the best English tradition we have witnessed a quiet revolution across the nation’s eight largest cities.

“Now its time to free even more places from Whitehall control.”

Comments (7)

10:41am Mon 29 Oct 12

Olivia2847 says...

I smell a rat somewhere, Holdcroft must be ordering a bigger trough at this very moment!
I smell a rat somewhere, Holdcroft must be ordering a bigger trough at this very moment! Olivia2847

4:21pm Mon 29 Oct 12

Joe Wildman says...

Sounds like a good opportunity for Southend, not looked at the finer point's yet but anything that promotes the growth of the local economy and actually does that should be supported.
Sounds like a good opportunity for Southend, not looked at the finer point's yet but anything that promotes the growth of the local economy and actually does that should be supported. Joe Wildman

5:10pm Mon 29 Oct 12

Olivia2847 says...

Joe Wildman wrote:
Sounds like a good opportunity for Southend, not looked at the finer point's yet but anything that promotes the growth of the local economy and actually does that should be supported.
Take the blinkers off and smell the coffee Joe !
[quote][p][bold]Joe Wildman[/bold] wrote: Sounds like a good opportunity for Southend, not looked at the finer point's yet but anything that promotes the growth of the local economy and actually does that should be supported.[/p][/quote]Take the blinkers off and smell the coffee Joe ! Olivia2847

5:39pm Mon 29 Oct 12

Keptquiettillnow says...

Another waste of money project. Cut backs all over Southend and lets just spend a load on this idea, again.
Another waste of money project. Cut backs all over Southend and lets just spend a load on this idea, again. Keptquiettillnow

6:21pm Mon 29 Oct 12

Joe Wildman says...

Olivia2847 wrote:
Joe Wildman wrote:
Sounds like a good opportunity for Southend, not looked at the finer point's yet but anything that promotes the growth of the local economy and actually does that should be supported.
Take the blinkers off and smell the coffee Joe !
Could not do that I have an allergy to coffee, eyes and nose run, and I have a sneezing fit if I get a big whiff of the stuff.

Less restrictions from Whitehall is a good thing, more local powers is the way to go.
[quote][p][bold]Olivia2847[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Joe Wildman[/bold] wrote: Sounds like a good opportunity for Southend, not looked at the finer point's yet but anything that promotes the growth of the local economy and actually does that should be supported.[/p][/quote]Take the blinkers off and smell the coffee Joe ![/p][/quote]Could not do that I have an allergy to coffee, eyes and nose run, and I have a sneezing fit if I get a big whiff of the stuff. Less restrictions from Whitehall is a good thing, more local powers is the way to go. Joe Wildman

7:42pm Mon 29 Oct 12

Nebs says...

It doesn't actually tell us what powers will be devolved. How about a local police force, local judiciary, and local prisons.
It doesn't actually tell us what powers will be devolved. How about a local police force, local judiciary, and local prisons. Nebs

10:53pm Mon 29 Oct 12

jayman says...

i would like us all to vote for Southend council to have less power..

bid for village status..

Southend civic centre is where money goes to die.
i would like us all to vote for Southend council to have less power.. bid for village status.. Southend civic centre is where money goes to die. jayman

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