Responding to a letter from the new Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, inviting proposals from councils regarding devolution, Cllr John Kent, Leader of Thurrock Council, said:
"I was delighted to receive such an early indication of the new Deputy Prime Minister's clear commitment to pushing power out of Whitehall to the regions, acknowledging that councils are best-placed to drive the kind of inclusive economic growth that our communities want and need.
"Thurrock is a place of great opportunity, nestled on the Thames just a few miles outside London, and we believe we are in a unique position to help unlock the economic potential of our wider region, working closely with our neighbours Essex County Council and Southend-on-Sea City Council, as well as the many district councils in the county.
"We are already considering with partners the proposals we want to submit to the Deputy Prime Minister on behalf of our residents and businesses, which will no doubt focus on growing our economy, addressing the housing crisis and upskilling our workforce – missions we share with the Government. We look forward to seeing the plans laid out in more detail in the King's Speech tomorrow, and look forward to working with the Government on making Thurrock and the wider Essex region an even better, more thriving, place to live and work."
More information about the announcement is available at: GOV.UK: Deputy Prime Minister kickstarts new devolution revolution to boost local power