Government launches consultation on Greater Essex devolution

February 18, 2025

A Government consultation about devolution for the Greater Essex area has launched.

The consultation is being run by the Government’s Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) department, and is taking place from 17th February to 13th April 2025.

Cllr Daniel Cowan, Leader of the Council, says: “This is a major milestone in our devolution journey, and an important opportunity for everyone in the local area to have their say about devolution proposals for Greater Essex.

“The consultation is open to residents, businesses, community and voluntary groups, and other organisations in Greater Essex and I would urge everyone to have their say.”

More information about the consultation is available on GOV.UK

Take part in the consultation via the MHCLG website.

Local Government reorganisation is also being discussed across the county, but this is a separate process and is not part of this Government consultation.

The consultation follows an announcement by the Deputy Prime Minister on 5th February when a major package of devolution was announced, with six new areas confirmed to join the government’s Devolution Priority Programme: Cumbria, Cheshire & Warrington, Norfolk & Suffolk, Greater Essex, Sussex & Brighton and Hampshire & the Solent.

The Devolution Priority Programme will provide a fast-track to mayoral devolution - aiming to see a new wave of mayoral elections in May 2026.