Could ‘super-council’ be the authority of south Essex’s future?

The leaders of Basildon, Castle Point, Southend, Rochford and Thurrock councils have met to discuss asking for more powers from the Government, as part of a devolution deal.

In this month’s budget, Chancellor George Osborne invited cities and regions to bid for increased powers and funding.

Southend and Thurrock, which are both already unitary authorities independent of Essex County Council, have previously discussed the possibility of forming a combined authority, but last week’s talks involved the possible creation of a new authority which would run alongside the existing council structure.

Extra funding for skills and job training, as well as improvements to the A127, have been earmarked as possible gains for south Essex.

It would mean councils merging services and possibly having to provide more housing to justify the increase in money it would receive from the Government, but the majority of leaders appear in favour of the idea.

Phil Turner, Conservative leader of Basildon Council said: “This is both a risk and an opportunity. I see the opportunity as maybe being able to drive a bigger deal for things like employment and skills, which benefit future and existing generations.

“That would involve major funding for training and skills, but in return we would have to be prepared to offer something back.

“The Government want more housing and employment, which would mean more land being given over.”

Earlier this year, the leaders of all district and borough councils, plus Essex County Council, wrote to the Government backing a devolution plan which would give the county a greater say over major spending projects.

But more recent discussions have seen the county divided into four “quadrants”.

Southend Council leader Ron Woodley said: “Each quadrant has their own economic challenges, housing, skills and infrastructure issues.

“The idea is to work together in terms of a south Essex partnership, but that is not to say we then don’t work with the rest of Essex.

“The A13 and A127 are big issues, but we have to look at the priorities for different parts of Essex, because they are different in every borough.”

Colin Riley, Tory leader of Castle Point Council is “very keen” on working with the other authorities.

He said: “We don’t need five licensing authorities or planning departments, so these are the things we are going to have to put into the pot.

“I am very keen and up for this, so we have attended all the meetings, which have been very positive.

“The sovereignty of all the authorities has been maintained at every meeting, but there are lots of services which could easily be combined.”

Mr Riley hopes his borough can wrestle back influence over roads in a future agreement.

He added: “Highways isabig issue, as it is something we have very little input into, so hopefully we will have a seat at that table in the future.

Regions will be required to submit formal devolution offers to the Government by November.

Castle Point Council leader Colin Riley and Southend Council leader Ron Woodley are also in support of devolution

Unitary talks viewed as a 'distraction' by Government

THERE is no prospect of Basildon becoming a unitary authority due to the Government’s desire for devolution, according to the council’s leader.

Earlier this year, council officers had begun preliminary discussions about the borough breaking free from county council control.

The idea, which gained cross-party support from councillors, would see Basildon gain control over the borough’s roads, street lighting and schools.

But Tory council leader Phil Turner believes the idea cannot take place in the near future.

A report compiled by Mr Turner this month suggested talks about unitary status were on hold while devolution discussions were in progress.

But a cabinet meeting heard councils can only gain unitary status at the request of the Secretary of State.

Mr Turner said: “It is very unlikely we will be able to pursue the Secretary of State because they see it as a distraction.”

Council chief executive Bala Mahendran added: “Since the election the Government has made it clear the only game in town is devolution in terms of what they will consider.

“We are working together with our near neighbours in south Essex to see what we could ask for to benefit our communities.

“One of the most difficult issues is the housing issue. It is not just about our current economy but our future economy.”