The Government’s Devolution White Paper was published on Monday, with Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner announcing that the plans will ensure regional powers are “no longer agreed at the whim of a minister in Whitehall”.

Leader of the Labour Group on Braintree District Council, Lynn Jefferis, commented: “with more powers to local authorities, and a streamlining of the 2-tier ‘County/District’ model, Braintree and Witham will be able to access the full economic potential of the area, for the benefit of residents, helping families thrive and prosper.

“It means additional powers to make sure that local services reach those in the most need, and that we can deliver long-lasting infrastructure improvements for local people and communities.”

The Labour government is committed to ending the ‘Whitehall knows best’ mindset, and empowering communities to shape the future of their areas.