COUNCILLOR Gavin Callaghan, Leader of Basildon Borough Council, has been elected as Chair of South Essex Councils with a call for the region to be the “jobs, growth and productivity capital of the UK”, placing him at the forefront of shaping the region’s future.
 Cllr Callaghan will lead the partnership of councils in South Essex – comprising Basildon, Brentwood, Castle Point, Rochford, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock Councils as well as Essex County Council – as it takes part in critical discussions on economic growth, housing development and infrastructure investment as local government reorganisation and devolution look set to change the political map of the county. Speaking about his new role, Cllr Callaghan said: “This region is uniquely positioned to be the jobs, growth and productivity capital of the UK but for too long we’ve punched below our collective weight. The economic and housing potential in South Essex is immense, with opportunities to create life-long jobs, build communities, and attract investment. “What must and will come with that is the transformative investment in transport, digital connectivity, and public services to fully unlock the region’s potential and ensure it delivers for all who live or want to start or grow a business here.” |
Cllr Callaghan’s election comes as the county looks set to be at the forefront of a debate on local government reorganisation and devolution, with all of the current councils in Essex rumoured to be abolished and replaced by new unitary councils which will deliver all the services from social care to waste and recycling for an area.
Cllr Callaghan said: “This is an exciting time for South Essex. For the first time in a generation, we have alignment between the ambitions of local councils and the priorities of central government to invest in our region. Moments like this are rare and we must seize the opportunity to deliver real change for our residents and businesses.
“My number one priority in this role is to work with government on getting the money invested into South Essex that we need and I look forward to working with the north of Essex on creating a combined authority that can deliver this transformative change.”
