Agenda item

Purpose: This report seeks to establish a Joint (Prosperity) Committee (to be known as the Berkshire Prosperity Board) to enable Berkshire Authorities, through collaboration, to benefit from:

-       Working to a shared vision of inclusive, green, and sustainable economic prosperity through working together collaboratively to address challenges and meet opportunities.

-       Present a strengthened case to Government and private investors for greater investment into strategic projects, service delivery and initiatives across Berkshire.

-       Act as a vehicle to commission the Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Core functions and others in response to the Government’s review of Local Economic Partnerships.

-       Have a stronger, collective voice in lobbying Government and other agencies.

-       Advantageously position Berkshire in readiness for potential devolution proposals to benefit from additional responsibilities and funding opportunities.

The Council considered a report (Agenda Item 18) concerning the establishment of a Joint Committee – the Berkshire Prosperity Board.

MOTION: Proposed by Councillor Louise Sturgess and seconded by Councillor Jeff Brooks:

That the Council:

“is asked to note the resolutions of the Executive dated 14th March 2024 to approve:

·         The establishment of a Joint Committee (to be known as the Berkshire Prosperity Board) from March 2024 to deliver a Berkshire-wide vision for inclusive green and sustainable economic prosperity.

·         Delegated authority for the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, Executive Director of Resources and the Monitoring Officer to agree and enter into an inter-authority agreement between the six Berkshire Local Authorities to facilitate decision-making by the Berkshire Prosperity Board (BPB).

·         The re-allocation of £10,000 of Council revenue funding and £20,000 UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) funding in 2024/25, along with the collective allocation of £80,000 out of the shared £240,000 pot of grant funding that would be given to the six Berkshire Authorities from Government to replace LEP funding.

It is further recommended that Council:

·         Approve the terms of reference for the BPB as set out in Appendix A to be added to the Constitution.

·         Delegate authority to the Monitoring Officer, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to amend the Constitution to make minor amendments to the terms of reference for the BPB and to amend Part 3 (meeting procedure Rules) and Part 6 (Council Bodies) to take account of the existence of the BPB.”

Councillor Sturgess introduced the report by explaining that the BPB had been set up in agreement with six Local Authorities: West Berkshire Council, Wokingham Borough Council, Reading Borough Council, Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, Slough Borough Council and Bracknell Forest Council. The BPB had six main aims which were health and inequalities, education and skills, affordable housing, strategic infrastructure, net zero and West Berkshire Council leading on sector development.  The Councillor explained that in terms of funding, £240,000 per year would be received from the Government, which would replace the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) funding. £80,000 would be allocated to the program management elements of the Board, such as staffing with the accountable body. In addition, each authority was asked to contribute £10,000 of Revenue and £20,000 of UK SPF funding in 2024. The BPB would be set out with funding agreed for a year and then reviewed prior to 2025. Councillor Sturgess emphasised the strategic strength of the unitary authorities working together to make bids for major funding which was a key reason for the initiative and stated that although the needs varied in demand, historic connections meant the BPB would work well and help deliver for West Berkshire.

Councillor Adrian Abbs queried the £80,000 figure for staffing as he felt this would not be adequate for six large councils.

Councillor Howard Woollaston questioned the quorum of six for the BPB, as he believed this would make the group unworkable, as there was no mention of an alternative Member.

Councillor Tony Vickers praised the collective effort and supported the exercise in co-operation, which he believed could reduce costs and staffing requirements.

Councillor Ross Mackinnon supported the report and highlighted it was the brainchild of Central Government. The Councillor hoped that if staffing was to be cut the Council could find new positions for staff. Councillor Mackinnon reiterated Councillor Woollaston’s comments and asked the Executive to take them on board.   

Councillor Brooks explained that the BPB was in no way a precursor to reforming Berkshire County Council. The BPB was to start small with a programme manager and would develop from there. The Councillor expressed that the LEP had not been effective in reporting to Council, although he acknowledged that it had delivered on schemes such as improvements to Newbury and Theale train stations. Councillor Brooks defended the quorum, as it would require all Members to be involved for the Board to function properly, however deputy leaders could be sent in absence of the leaders. It was noted that the BPB was not set up to eliminate jobs, but to develop bids for central government, a potential example being to improve the district’s high streets.

Councillor Sturgess had no further comments.

The Motion was put to the meeting and duly RESOLVED.