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.