Cllr David Finch

I have been Leader of Essex County Council (ECC) since 2013 and during that time, and like all of you, have led the authority through transition as austerity takes effect. However, it is about doing more with less and using new and emerging technologies to deliver better services.

From 2003/4 to 2008 I was the Cabinet Member for Finance and Property at ECC, I then held the portfolio for Adult Social Care until 2010 when I became Deputy Leader, a post I held for the next 3 years.

ECC have achieved cumulative savings of £822m since 2010/11 and, under my leadership, has continued to redesign and reshape services to continue to meet the needs of the County’s residents.

Through my work with the LGA and also with the CCN, I have been at the forefront of discussions with Government about Fairer Funding and the Better Care Fund and ensured that Local Government’s voice is heard and listened to at all levels and have joined forces with DCN colleagues to make representations to Select Committees to press our case.