Evidence Base for the Development of Southend-Thurrock Devolution

Southend and Thurrock Councils have agreed to progress discussions to explore the opportunities presented by devolution and combined authority in addressing challenges and maximising the economic growth of South Essex. This work seeks to establish and progress the case for devolution, with the expectation that if that is found to deliver significant added value that a Combined Authority is the most likely model for delivering it.

Recognising the need for any devolution discussions to be heavily evidence based the first phase of work is to establish and affirm a robust and up-to-date evidence base for South Essex drawing on existing and new data. The Councils have identified three priority themes which offer significant scope to deliver a step-change via the freedoms and flexibilities available via devolution: I.

Transportation & Infrastructure II. Economic Growth III. Skills & Employability The aspirations related to these themes are shared by the business community and there is an existing track record of delivery in relation to these areas.