THE future of local governance in Thurrock – and wider Essex – has once again come under the spotlight.

Earlier this week the Local Government Chronicle reported on the views of council leaders of authorities across mid and north Essex.

Budget documents published last month revealed that the upcoming white paper on English devolution will include "working with councils to move to simpler structures that make sense for their local areas, with efficiency savings from council reorganisation helping to meet the needs of local people".

On Sunday (24 November), The Times reported that the first wave of reorganisation would comprise ten areas including Kent, Essex, Hertfordshire, Surrey, Norfolk, and Suffolk.

There are 12 district councils that work under the umbrella of Essex County Council, as well as the over-arching authority itself. Thurrock and Southend add to the mix as unitary (self-governing authorities).

One of the 12 districts is Braintree, whose leader Cllr Graham Butland says the two unitary authorities and 12 districts in Essex had done "a lot of work" on a devolution deal and that he was waiting with "keenness" for the white paper to be published.

He said: "We are an area that wants to grow, and there is a keenness across all levels of local government in Essex for a successful devolution deal.

"Some of us are much more enthusiastic about a mayor than others.

Cllr Graham Butland.

"But this government's made it quite clear that it is mayoral ones that are being introduced. So, I don't see that as being a stumbling block now."

Cllr Butland added that Essex leader Kevin Bentley was "keen to see the county council go" as he was to see the 12 districts go, and that whatever the configuration of reorganisation, it would be sustainable.

He added: "We've been having joint officer work across all the two unitaries, the county council, and the 12 districts, boroughs, and cities to ensure that whatever configuration we come up with is going to be financially sustainable."

As well as being involved in talks at Westminster and locally with representatives of other council, Thurrock Council leader Cllr John Kent says there is still a lot to consider.

Speaking to Thurrock Nub News he said: "There has been a lot of speculation around the government's drive to deliver devolution of powers to every part of the country and, while we await the publication of the long awaited Devolution White Paper, some of the content is becoming clearer.

"It looks as though there will be a move to link devolution – the passing of some powers from Westminster to a group of local councils, working together as a "Combined Authority," to exercise those powers – with fundamental changes to the way local government operates, by replacing the current two tier structure of District and County Councils and replacing it with a single tier of unitary councils, similar to Thurrock.

"In my view, single tier councils works better than the two tier system – but we have to be really careful that we don't end up with a protracted wrangle over local government boundaries rather than concentrating on ensuring we make the very most of the potential opportunities of devolution.

"Instead, we must focus on making sure that devolution helps us deliver the huge economic potential that exists in Thurrock, in a way that works for the benefit of our residents, helping families thrive and prosper right here in the borough.

"One of the ways we can do this is by exploring the potential a devolution agreement could hold for Thurrock.

"We are working with our partners at Essex County Council and Southend-on-Sea City Council to pursue just such an agreement. I want to explain what this could mean, and how devolution could help us unlock even greater economic opportunities that benefit us all.

"Devolution means that the government will give us greater powers to make decisions locally, enabling us to use the knowledge we have of our local area to make sure residents are put first.

"For example, the devolution agreement in Cornwall means that the Cornwall Council will have greater powers to help make sure local people can develop the skills they need to start careers in the exciting new industries developing there.

"While Manchester and West Yorkshire devolution gave councils control of their transport budget, which meant they could develop schemes to help encourage young people to use public transport by offering them reduced fares and travel passes; in Liverpool apprentices aged 19 to 24 now travel half price on public transport thanks to the additional powers they have.

"We know that Thurrock is uniquely well positioned to make the most of the opportunities that devolution could unlock - Thames Freeport is a real engine for innovation and opportunity, it will bring billions of pounds of inward investment to the borough and create exciting new career opportunities in innovative industries including clean energy technologies, added-value manufacturing, and advanced logistics.

The Backstage Centre and High House Production Park.

"Beyond that the borough is home to the High House Production Park and the Backstage Centre, meaning we are also a significant arts and culture centre.

"I am committed to ensuring our residents are well placed to take advantage of the rewards of the investment and growth taking place in Thurrock, and across Essex.

"Too many of our residents aren't in work – very often due to health and well-being issues – we need to ensure we harness the powers that devolution may offer to help people in their journey back to work.

"By working together with Essex County Council and Southend-on-Sea City Council our potential is even greater, and includes two international airports in Southend and Stansted, major manufacturing hubs and a second Freeport at Harwich.

"Devolution could mean that we will have additional powers to make sure that local services truly reach those that need them the most, that economic growth is created and directed to benefit our residents and that we can deliver transport improvements which serve local people and communities."