Devolution for Essex

In last month’s update we covered this issue in outline. Things have moved on, with Essex County Council, Southend and Thurrock submitting an expression of interest (EoI) to government at the end of September. The government has asked areas to indicate in their EoIs their initial preference i.e. whether they want to aim for a mayoral deal or something more basic. The Chambers’ view, reflecting our members preferences, is that a deal involving a Mayor would be best for Essex. It would help to cut through some of the challenges of working through multiple local authorities by placing executive powers in the hands of a non-political Mayor who would work across all three upper tier authorities in Essex, that is the county council and its twelve districts, and the unitary authorities of Southend and Thurrock. A mayoral deal would attract a significant amount of investment from government as well as the ability to deal more strategically and coherently across the county with issues such as transport planning, skills provision and business support.

It is interesting that Norfolk and Suffolk had agreed a deal with the previous government but the new government has shelved it, saying it was not ambitious enough. It did not involve an elected Mayor, which suggest this government may be likely to prioritise deals which do include a Mayor, one free of strong ties to a particular political party. Last year the three councils in Essex were unable to agree to aim for a mayoral deal. The Chambers has written to them and to all Essex MPs asking them to work towards a mayoral deal. We assume that sometime in the next few weeks we will get an indication of how government views the proposal put forward by Essex. Fingers crossed it does not get nipped in the bud and we are all able to move forward without fear of Essex being left behind other places.

Here is the slidepack again which sets out the key points in regard to the devolution process.

If you wish to know more about devolution and what it could deliver for business or to get involved in helping the business voice be heard please do get in touch with me Email: iainmcnab@essexchambers.co.uk or Call: 07929 522 951
 

Lower Thames Crossing

Things are coming to a head on this long-running issue too, with the Secretary of State for Transport expected to decide on the Development Consent Order (DCO) which will if approved give the green light to the crossing – in principle. If successful, the next stage will be to identify the necessary funding.

The Chambers has been a strong supporter of the new crossing, believing it is desperately needed. It would tackle congestion and unlock economic growth over a wide area by almost doubling road capacity across the Thames to the east of London. Congestion at the existing Dartford Crossing costs the UK economy more than £200m per year in lost productivity and leads to delays and diversions for freight travelling to every corner of the country. The new crossing would link the North and Midlands with South East ports and add up to £40bn to the economy as well as boost jobs and skills. A key point we have continued to make is that although Lower Thanes Crossing will be built in the South East it is for the whole country and should be seen as a vital national asset. 

It would also be ‘greenest’ road built in UK, delivering:

• two new public parks overlooking River Thames;
• a new community woodland;
• 40 miles of new or improved pathways for walkers, cyclists and horse riders;
• more than 1 million additional trees;
• 80% of new road below ground, in cuttings or behind embankments;
• seven green bridges bas safe crossing points for people and wildlife. 

Business is almost universally supportive so we look forward to a positive decision from government on 4 October.

Aside from the topics mentioned above, if you have any policy issue you would like to discuss with me - please get in touch.

Iain McNab,  Head of Policy