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Agenda item

To consider the recommendations of the Cabinet. The Cabinet’s recommendation and any reasons therefor may be seen in full in Minute 50 of the Cabinet held on 13 July 2016 (Page 1, Green Pages).

 

The report of the Chief Executive (CX/16/20), is attached.

Minutes:

The Council considered the recommendations of the Cabinet held on 13 July 2016 (Minute 50 thereof refers), circulated previously for the attention of Members at this meeting in conjunction with the Report of the Chief Executive (CX/16/20), seeking approval to the Council ‘signing-up’ in principle to the pursuit of a devolution deal and the creation of a Combined Authority to administer new powers and funding secured through that deal and to better position Councils to explore and take advantage of the opportunities that might arise through discussions with Government and future developments.

 

The Council noted that the specific impacts and implications of any draft deal would be assessed and considered as part of the formal negotiation process and the Heart of the South West Partnership would correspondingly and necessarily develop an Impact Needs Assessment at the start of that process which would be updated as specific powers were agreed. Similarly, the assurances given previously at the Cabinet that the concept of double devolution was integral to the development of any Deal and that any final Deal would  be subject to the approval/ratification by Council and public consultation were re-affirmed.

 

In commending the proposals to the Council and having regard to the views expressed at and considered by the Cabinet:  

 

The Leader of the Council MOVED and Councillor Clatworthy SECONDED that the recommendation of the Cabinet at Minute 50 be approved, namely that:

 

‘that the County Council:

 

(a)        endorse the Leaders approach to devolution and agree to sign up to 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;

 

(b)        note that 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; that would be subject to future debate and agreement by the Council and subject to negotiations with Government’

 

Councillor Greenslade then MOVED and Councillor Connett SECONDED that Cabinet Minute 50(a) be amended by the addition of the words ‘including recognising the principle of double devolution 

 

Councillor Hart having subsequently indicated his willingness to accept the amendment moved by Councillor Greenslade the revised motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED namely:

 

‘that the County Council:

 

(a)        endorse the Leaders approach to devolution and agree to sign up to 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, including recognising the principle of double devolution;

 

(b)        note that 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; that would be subject to future debate and agreement by the Council and subject to negotiations with Government’

 

[In accordance with Standing Order 32(2) Councillors Brazil, Connett, Dewhirst, Greenslade, Hannon, Hook, Vint, Way, Wragg and Younger-Ross asked that their support for the amendment in the name of Councillor Greenslade but abstaining from voting on the Motion in the name of Councillor Hart be recorded].

 

[NB: The Impact Assessment referred to above will, in due course, be available at:  http://new.devon.gov.uk/impact/].

Supporting documents:


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