Southend Devolution Deal - Leigh-on-Sea

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Leigh On Sea News: Southend Devolution Deal – DAVID Burton-Sampson, MP for Southend West & Leigh, has said he is delighted to hear that Southend will be joining the Devolution Priority programme, with elections for a Mayor of Greater Essex planned for 2026.

Southend Devolution Deal - DAVID Burton-Sampson, MP for Southend West & Leigh, has said he is delighted to hear that Southend will be joining the Devolution Priority programme, with elections for a Mayor of Greater Essex planned for 2026.

DAVID Burton-Sampson, Labour MP for Southend West & Leigh, has said he is delighted to hear that Southend will be joining the Devolution Priority programme, with elections for a Mayor of Greater Essex planned for 2026.

Southend will be among the first tranche of authorities getting new devolution deals under the Devolution Priority Programme.

Mr Burton-Sampson said: “It’s very exciting to get this go ahead and be at the forefront of change.

“It will mean more power locally to deliver better transport, more houses and tailor skills and training.

“It is a new era for local government, decentralising power from Whitehall and bringing it closer to communities.”

The MP said he was assured by the Deputy Prime Minister and Local Government Secretary, Angela Rayner, that Southend’s singular identity would be maintained. He added that she told him holding elections this year for authorities that will not exist in 12 months-time was a waste of tax-payers money.

During a debate on Devolution in parliament it was outlined how power will be transferred locally, with the intention of giving local communities greater control over decisions that affect their areas, such as economic development and infrastructure planning, as well as leading to a more efficient use of resources and the ability to attract additional investment.

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