You will all be aware that over the last month or so there has been talk about the potential reform of the current structures of local government. There was a question at full council and there are a number of articles and discussions in Local Government media and also national events for senior officers. By way of update this is the Essex (the place) position at the time of writing:
Following conversations with Government the leader of Essex County Council, David Finch held a round table discussion with Leaders and the Chief Executives of Essex Councils (including Southend and Thurrock), and subsequent Chief Executive briefings have happened.
The meeting was the first opportunity for Leaders and Chief Executives to come together to discuss what the Government have said about how they see the future and consider ideas and opportunities for improving the current Local Government system.
EFDC start these conversations from a strong collaborative position following successful joint working across many partnerships in response to the pandemic.
Throughout the last few months, there has been a real collective effort across organisations in addressing the challenges that Epping Forest has faced during the COVID-19 crisis.
In Essex, there is one of the most complex local government structures in the UK – one county council, 12 district/borough/city councils and two unitary councils.
It is clear from the discussions with the Government that it sees the current two-tier system of county and district councils as flawed, and that unitary authorities, which are responsible for all council services in a defined area, are seen as a better option for delivering services.
It is also clear that the Government wants to see more directly elected mayors, alongside more Combined Authorities (much like those in Greater Manchester and the West Midlands) who would be responsible for driving economic growth alongside other powers. Combined Authorities, as the name implies, cover a larger geography (for example, Greater Essex) than a single unitary council area. They don’t just get extra powers from government; they can secure more investment for local residents. No decisions have yet been taken, but for Essex this might look like two to four unitary councils, and a Greater Essex Combined Authority and Mayor. Alternative proposals may also arise as it is well known that the South of Essex have proposals all ready underway.
The Government intends to bring forward a White Paper in the autumn outlining its proposals and inviting councils to submit proposals for reform. The ambition in Essex is to have proposals, on both unitary councils and a Combined Authority, informed by the White Paper ready for the opportunity.
Epping Forest District Council is one of the respected, well run and efficient authorities in Essex. Therefore, if there is to be change it is the role of EFDC to be an important part in shaping it for the benefit of local residents. I can assure all members that I will be engaged together with all of my strategic team as any work evolves.
I will keep you informed at each stage of any process that is agreed. The second meeting of Leaders and Chief Executive Officers is being diarised as I write.
(Further information: Georgina Blakemore and Councillor Chris Whitbread)