Decision details

The Cabinet had before it a * report of the Chief Executive seeking agreement on the principle of a Combined Authority for the Heart of the South West, as set out in the Prospectus for Productivity, as the basis for negotiation with Government towards a Devolution Deal for the area.

The Leader outlined the contents of the report stating that the principle was to create a combined authority and that the intention was that it would be a non-mayoral authority.  He explained that a number of authorities involved had already stated that they were not prepared to be involved with a Mayoral combined authority.

Consideration was given to:

·         The use of language within the report and some areas not being clear;

·         The report was common to all 17 authorities;

·         The report was not about becoming a unitary authority or being ‘taken over’ but was about finding a suitable governance system.  It sought to make clear what form of governance needed to be put in place locally in order to take on devolved powers;

·         Possible impacts on the junction 27 development;

·         Potential changes to funding following BREXIT.

RESOLVED that:

The current approach to devolution be endorsed and the principle of creating a Combined Authority for the Heart of the South West, as set out in the Prospectus for Productivity, as the basis for negotiation with Government towards a Devolution Deal for the area be agreed;

The following be NOTED: giving this endorsement does not commit the Council to entering into a Devolution Deal or becoming a member of a Heart of the South West Combined Authority. This would be subject to future debate and agreement by the Council and subject to negotiations with Government.

(Proposed by the Chairman)

Note: - *Report previously circulated, copy attached to minutes.