Issue - meetings

A report on the Devolution White Paper.

That Cabinet:

1)    NOTED the contents of the English Devolution White Paper and ENDORSED the Council’s initial response as set out in 5.17 of the report.

2)    DELEGATED AUTHORITY to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to continue working with neighbouring local authorities and undertake any work required to enable a full appraisal of the options and implications ensuring an effective response to the White Paper.

3)    DELEGATED AUTHORITY to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Director for Corporate Services, to access the Corporate Priorities Reserve for up to £30k (outside any constitutional limits) in support of recommendation 2.

4)    NOTED that a further report would be provided to Cabinet setting out further details as they emerge, including consideration of options and implications and any proposed next steps.

The Chief Executive introduced the report. The Leader, Councillor Allnatt, moved the recommendations and Councillor Glancy seconded the motion.

In response to a query on when staff would be briefed, Members were informed that written briefings had been provided and there would be an all staff briefing on Wednesday 15 January.

The question of at what point does the public get consulted with was raised. In response, Members were informed that public consultation is a little way off. The District Councils and Rutland Leader’s joint letter to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government explained that all options should be investigated and evidence needs to be gathered. The Leader added that the District Councils and Rutland had stated the impact upon staff and that there is a coming together in order to find a solution.

RESOLVED

That Cabinet:

1)    NOTED the contents of the English Devolution White Paper and ENDORSED the Council’s initial response as set out in 5.17 of the report.

2)    DELEGATED AUTHORITY to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to continue working with neighbouring local authorities and undertake any work required to enable a full appraisal of the options and implications ensuring an effective response to the White Paper.

3)    DELEGATED AUTHORITY to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Director for Corporate Services, to access the Corporate Priorities Reserve for up to £30k (outside any constitutional limits) in support of recommendation 2.

4)    NOTED that a further report would be provided to Cabinet setting out further details as they emerge, including consideration of options and implications and any proposed next steps.

(Non-key decision)

Reason for recommendations

To enable the Council to engage in further discussions with local authority partners and undertake any necessary work to support an appropriate response to the White Paper.