Southend Cabinet set to consider the creation of a Greater Essex Mayoral Strategic Authority to unlock £1.2bn in devolution benefits

October 21, 2026

Southend-on-Sea City Council is set to consider the next step in securing devolution for Greater Essex.

At an extraordinary meeting, Cabinet (21 October) will be asked to reaffirm its support for the establishment of a Greater Essex Mayoral Strategic Authority and consent to revised regulations that could allow the new strategic authority to be created in early 2027, subject to parliamentary approval.

This meeting will follow an extraordinary Full Council meeting held on the same evening, and also the move follows a joint letter from the leaders of Essex County Council, Southend-on-Sea City Council and Thurrock Council supporting the progression of devolution.

Cllr Daniel Cowan, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Devolution, said: "Devolution is a significant opportunity for Southend and will bring £1.2bn of benefits to Greater Essex over the long term.

“It will give our city a stronger voice in decisions on transport, skills, housing and economic growth, while helping bring investment and decision-making closer to the communities they affect.

“Crucially, Southend-on-Sea City Council would remain responsible for delivering local services to residents, while working with partners across Greater Essex on the issues that are best tackled at a wider scale."