TENDRING Council’s leader claims residents should embrace plans for more devolved powers for Essex.

Opposition councillors fear proposals for devolved powers for Essex could see district councils stripped of some of their responsibilities by County Hall.

But Tendring Council boss Mick Page said any move would only increase powers locally.

Essex council leaders and chief executives havemet to discuss devolution, which has been raised after the Government promised more powers to Scotland following last year’s independence referendum.

“This was on the basis that all authorities were equal partners in the discussion,” said Mr Page.