Issue - meetings

To receive a report of the Head of Planning and Regeneration considering the case for closer working with other authorities within the same sub-regional ‘Greater Exeter’ area, particularly in respect of strategic growth and the economy.

The Cabinet had before it a * report of the Head of Planning and Regeneration requesting consideration  of the case for closer working with other authorities within the same sub-regional ‘Greater Exeter’ area, particularly in respect of strategic growth and the economy.

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Regeneration outlined the contents of the report stating the local authorities covering Mid Devon, Exeter, East Devon and Teignbridge had a longstanding history of joint working in respect of economic development and tourism promotion under the umbrella of the ‘Heart of Devon’ as well as in collaboration over the production of certain pieces of strategic evidence for planning purposes.  Teignbridge, East Devon and Exeter had already started to explore opportunities for greater collaboration and alignment of strategic objectives to address the effectiveness and efficiency of promoting economic development. Mid Devon had been invited to share in this collaborative approach and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding showed good intent to explore opportunities with regard to various functions of the Council.

Consideration was given to the need for closer working with other local authorities.

RESOLVED that:

a)        Opportunities for joint working in partnership with East Devon District Council, Exeter City Council and Teignbridge District Council be explored.

b)        The Chief Executive in conjunction with the Leader and Deputy Leader be given delegated authority to sign the Memorandum of Understanding once finalised.

(Proposed by the Leader and seconded by Cllr R J Chesterton)

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