Issue - meetings

To receive a verbal update on Essex Wide Devolution.

The Leader of the Council advised how at a recent Essex Leaders’ meeting the agreement for a combined authority had been received.  Good transport infrastructure and education had been included and alongside this he had raised how people in the Dengie were unable to get a bus to go to colleges etc. 

The Director of Strategy and Resources provided a verbal update in relation to Essex Wide Devolution, advising that:

·                  unfortunately, the deal had not been announced as part of the comprehensive spending review on 22 November. 

·                  whilst the deal and text had been agreed and was in its final draft there was a hold up due to political support at an MP level, and issues had to be resolved before this could move forward.

·                  should the deal be announced before Christmas it was likely it would go out to consultation in early January 2024.

To receive a verbal update on Essex Wide Devolution.