Elections: Essex
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the answer to Questions 99609, 99610, and 99611 on Local Government: Essex, whether financial support will be provided to (a) Thurrock, (b) Essex and its lower authorities and (c) Southend councils to compensate them for preparations made for the 2026 mayoral elections.
Answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh
I spoke to leaders in Greater Essex following the announcement of funding and next steps for the devolution agreements that are being developed through the Devolution Priority Programme. The Department has continued to engage closely with them since the announcement, jointly discussing the benefits devolution will bring to these areas.
As the Government confirmed to Parliament on 4 December, we remain committed to the long-term funding offer to all DPP areas, providing £1 million mayoral capacity funding for all areas for financial year 25/26, and a minimum of £3 million over the following three financial years, subject to the establishment of the Mayoral Strategic Authorities. Government will also provide each area with a proportion of their investment funds to ensure they can start delivering on key local priorities and deliver the benefits of devolution on the ground, ahead of the mayors taking office.
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