An MP has called for a referendum on any proposed local government devolution deal – so people can “vote for massive change or to remain as they are”.
It is expected the 15 local authorities in Essex – which includes 12 district and borough councils – would be replaced with between two and five all-purpose, unitary councils.
Mark Francois, the Conservative MP for Rayleigh and Wickford, told the Commons: “Despite what senior county councillors are telling ministers, there is absolutely no clamour in Essex for devolution, in fact quite the reverse.”
“One individual cannot claim to know what the whole of Essex wants,” said Kevin Bentley, Conservative leader of Essex County Council.
Source:
www.bbc.com
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