COUNCIL bosses say major reform plans to authorities must be based on where people live, work and socialise to succeed.

Basildon Council has agreed rules to govern the way forward for Local Government Reform in Essex.

The council chiefs will oppose a Greater Essex Combined Authority, in favour of a more localised South Essex Combined Authority.

The council will also back council mergers to create a new authority, in which Basildon becomes a part, where the population does not exceed 500,000 residents.

The decision was taken by the Policy and Resources Committee on Wednesday night.

The government’s English Devolution and Recovery plans are expected to signal the end of two-tier arrangements that see county councils sitting above district and borough councils.

Under the major reform there could be combined authorities, which could be given powers for things like infrastructure and major projects.

Basildon Council will now look to develop proposals with neighbouring councils for a merger that would create a population of more than 300,000, but less than 500,000.

Basildon Council Leader, Gavin Callaghan, said: “During this pandemic local government has proven how crucial it is to the success of people’s lives. However, a system of two-tier governance that was introduced in the 1970s is not fit for the 2020s and beyond.

“We want sensible proposals for any new authorities based on where people live, work and socialise. But we oppose reorganisation that simply substitutes one oversized, remote authority for another.

“We need to protect democratic accountability, and make sure any unitary authority serves a sensible geographic area, founded on functioning economic areas and one with the support of residents and businesses who have been let down by the outdated governance structure.”