Essex County Council has given its formal consent to the creation of a Mayoral Strategic Authority for Greater Essex, moving the area closer to a potential £1.2 billion devolution deal.
The decision was taken at a special meeting of the council’s Cabinet on Monday 19 October 2026. It marks a significant milestone towards bringing more powers, funding and decision-making closer to local communities.
The proposed authority would cover the areas of Essex County Council, Southend-on-Sea City Council and Thurrock Council, with greater control over transport, skills, economic growth, infrastructure and investment.
Essex County Council’s decision is the first of three required from the upper-tier councils. Consent is needed from all three authorities, alongside the necessary Government approval and legislation.
Elections for the Mayor of Greater Essex are currently scheduled for May 2028.
Councillor Peter Harris, Leader of Essex County Council, signs the Cabinet paper confirming the decision on 19 October 2026.
“An exciting opportunity to shape our own future”
Councillor Peter Harris, Leader of Essex County Council, said:
“Today marks a major step forward for Greater Essex and an exciting opportunity to shape our own future.
“Devolution is about bringing decisions closer to the people they affect, giving local leaders a stronger voice and ensuring Greater Essex has the powers and resources needed to achieve its full potential.
“We are already one of the country’s most successful and ambitious areas, with thriving businesses, skilled people and strong communities. Devolution gives us the opportunity to build on these strengths by attracting investment, creating jobs, improving transport connections and supporting growth across Essex, Southend and Thurrock.
“Most importantly, this is about securing a better future for the people who live and work here. By working together across Greater Essex, we can take greater control of our destiny and deliver opportunities for current and future generations.”
What would the new authority do?
The Mayoral Strategic Authority would focus on strategic issues affecting Greater Essex as a whole, helping to unlock investment, create jobs, improve transport connections and support economic growth.
Its creation would not replace existing councils or change the everyday services residents rely on. Councils would continue delivering local services, while the new authority would address wider priorities across the area.
A future Greater Essex Mayor would work alongside local leaders to champion the area’s interests and drive long-term growth.
Devolution and council reorganisation are separate
Devolution is a separate programme from Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).
The proposed Mayoral Strategic Authority would bring additional powers and strategic decision-making to Greater Essex. LGR concerns the future structure of local councils and the delivery of local services.
In September, the Government announced the withdrawal of its LGR decisions for Essex in light of new legal advice and ongoing legal challenges, including a judicial review launched by Essex County Council. Work on preparing for LGR subsequently ceased.
What happens next?
Subject to the required local consents being secured, the Government will consider the legislation needed to formally establish the new authority.
The devolution deal and creation of the authority remain subject to completion of that approval process.
Source: Essex County Council press release, 19 October 2026.