Chelmsford MP Calls for Vulnerable Young Women to Be Prioritised in Essex Devolution Plans
Chelmsford MP Marie Goldman has joined Colchester MP Pam Cox and a specialist charity in calling for the needs of vulnerable girls and young women to be placed at the heart of future decision-making as Essex prepares for devolution.
The two MPs have worked alongside Advance, a charity supporting women and girls affected by domestic abuse and other forms of disadvantage, to bring together professionals from across Essex.
The initiative aims to ensure that the experiences of girls and young women are considered when decisions are made about future public services, support programmes and local priorities.
It comes as Greater Essex prepares for changes to how certain powers and funding are managed locally.
Bringing Essex Services Together
Advance has highlighted an event in Chelmsford involving Marie Goldman, the Liberal Democrat MP for Chelmsford, and Pam Cox, the Labour MP for Colchester.
The gathering is intended to bring together representatives from early years services, education, community support and the justice system.
Its central focus is how organisations can work together to improve outcomes for girls and young women, particularly those facing additional vulnerabilities.
The charity has emphasised the importance of ensuring that young people's experiences and voices influence policy decisions rather than being overlooked during structural changes to local government.
The initiative also highlights the role of cooperation between public services and specialist organisations in identifying gaps in support and responding to the needs of young people.
Why Essex Devolution Matters
Greater Essex is progressing towards a new strategic authority covering Essex, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock.
Under the Government's devolution plans, more decisions concerning areas such as transport, skills and economic development would be made at a regional level rather than solely by central government.
Essex County Council says the Government has confirmed that Greater Essex has passed the legal tests required for devolution to proceed.
The first mayoral election is currently planned for May 2028.
Although devolution does not automatically transfer responsibility for every public service, the new arrangements could influence how organisations coordinate local priorities and investment.
For charities and public services working with vulnerable young people, the debate raises questions about how their needs will be represented in future regional decision-making.
Safety and Support for Young Women in Chelmsford
The discussion comes amid wider efforts across Essex to improve safety and opportunities for girls and young women.
The Essex Violence and Vulnerability Unit recently reported that feedback from young people has helped shape education programmes covering healthy relationships, stalking, harassment, online safety and violence against women and girls.
The unit has also highlighted improvements to public spaces in Chelmsford, including Central Park and Angel Meadow, intended to make them more welcoming and inclusive for girls.
Its work illustrates how young people's experiences can help inform practical decisions about local services and public spaces.
What Happens Next?
The initiative involving Marie Goldman, Pam Cox and Advance is focused on bringing organisations together and ensuring that girls and young women are represented in discussions about Essex's future.
No specific new funding allocation or policy commitment has been confirmed as a result of the initiative.
Advance has invited professionals interested in contributing to the conversation to contact the charity at Marketing@advancecharity.org.uk.
Further information about Greater Essex devolution is available through Essex County Council.
The initiative provides an opportunity for local organisations to consider how future arrangements can better reflect the experiences and needs of vulnerable girls and young women across Chelmsford and the wider county.