Calls For More Powers For Essex

15 October 2014, 06:21 | Updated: 15 October 2014, 06:23

Just weeks after Scotland was promised more powers following its independence referendum - there are now calls for more powers to be devolved to Essex.

The County Council is calling on the Government to give local authorities here greater controls and a "fairer deal for Essex".
 
At a meeting yesterday, a motion was passed calling for:
 
- Devolution of powers to Essex local authorities
- Fair and consistent funding of public services for the residents of Essex
- Fairer representation at Westminster for Essex MPs
 
Leader of the Council, David Finch, said: "There is a wind of change in English local government, caused by the offer of further devolved powers made to Scotland before the yes/no vote on the 18th September this year.
 
"Indeed, the promise of powers and greater financial freedoms for England has been made by all three political parties, and we in Essex must grasp the opportunity to benefit our residents by lobbying for greater freedoms.
 
"We must act now, and we must collaborate with other councils and local government bodies to make sure the opportunity is not lost.
 
"Give us the freedom and flexibility to decide whether we can or want to vary these and other services.
 
"We want a fair deal for Essex residents. We ask the opposition to put aside party politics, and to vote for the motion which seeks to bring benefits to Essex residents."
 
Cllr Finch has also called for Essex to be included a share of passenger duty from the county's airport (Stansted), skills funding, business rate retention, the establishment of growth areas and freedom to merge Department for Work and Pensions services and council services.