URL: https://democracy.southend.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1518

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: To give consent to the making of the Regulations which will create a Mayoral Combined County Authority for Greater Essex, with the Council as a constituent member. The decision will include delegation for final immaterial changes needed to the necessary regulations to establish the Combined County Authority before they are laid before Parliament.

Content: The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Strategy and Change) which set out the proposed next steps for the Council to progress devolution to Greater Essex and requested consent for the process to allow the draft Greater Essex Combined County Authority Regulations 2026 to complete their Parliamentary passage and enable the establishment of a Greater Essex Mayoral Combined County Authority.   Reason(s) for decision:   The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government confirmed that it expected a laying date of early November for the draft Regulations and had requested that those councils that are part of the Devolution Priority Programme secure delegated consent in the Autumn. This is to meet tight parliamentary procedural turnarounds for the final decision to be made when laying the draft Regulations.   Councillor C Campbell, as the nominated representative of Scrutiny Chairs, attended the meeting and summarised the comments and outcomes of the extraordinary meeting of Council held on 10 September 2025.  An addendum was produced and published prior to the meeting of Cabinet which set out these comments and feedback.   The comments and feedback from Members were noted by Cabinet.   Resolved:   That it be agreed, Cabinet:   1. Considers and gives consent to the laying and subsequent making (subject to Parliamentary approval) of the Greater Essex Combined County Authority Regulations 2026.   2. Delegates authority to the Chief Executive and Executive Director for Strategy and Change in consultation with the Leader of the Council to agree any required changes to the Regulations prior to laying before Parliament.   This decision is not eligible for call-in.

Date of Decision: September 15, 2025