Agenda item

This report seeks Council support for the Executive to agree to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to Government in response to the Government’s devolution policy. It is a stated Government policy intent that all regions in England benefit from devolution. 

The submission of the EOI Thames Valley will not bind the Council but will enable it to engage with Government on devolution of powers and functions to target regional economic growth working within a strategic partnership that aims to bring prosperity. This will enable collaborative regional governance to enable this Council to support innovation, business growth and investment. The aim of devolution is to ensure inclusive growth by opening greater prospects for skilled jobs, affordable housing and connected places that add to the region’s future economic sustainability.

Council considered a report (Agenda Item 10) concerning the submission of an expression of interest in a Thames Valley Mayoral Strategic Authority.

MOTION: Proposed by Councillor Justin Pemberton and seconded by Councillor Jeff Brooks:

That the Council:

1. “Is informed of the benefits from the proposed devolution of powers and functions, and agrees to continue building on the collaborative approach across the region to date.
2. Notes that the informal Devolution Board will oversee discussions with Government, ensuring robust governance and stakeholder engagement by elected members throughout this process.
3. Recommends that the Executive approves the Expression of Interest (EOI) to authorise the Council to submit this to Government, noting that the EOI is designed to proactively position the Thames Valley for early consideration in the next wave of the Devolution Programme.
4. Supports that a further report will be brought to Council and Executive prior to any final decision on the creation of a Strategic Authority”.

Councillor Pemberton introduced the report and highlighted that the White Paper from Government discussed both Local Government Reorganisation – of which the Council had submitted a Ridgeway Council proposal – as well as devolution. The Government was clear that it wanted all of England to be covered by a devolved authority and that they would be ending the current deals-based approach to devolution. He also informed Council that the Government would pass legislation enabling them to create a devolved authority above any local authority which failed to come to an agreement about one. For this reason, doing nothing could mean the Government legislating the creation of a Strategic Authority over West Berkshire, without its input.

Members noted that the goals of these Strategic Authorities would be to enable growth and that their remit devolved from central Government would involve cross boundary infrastructure, spatial planning, developing local skills, and encouraging investment. If the Government were to pursue a Mayoral Strategic Authority (MSA) in the Thames Valley, it would likely have a directly elected Mayor and a board comprised of the Leaders of the Councils in the area. However, specific governance arrangements would be confirmed in any final proposal. In addition, the Government would benefit from dealing with a reasonable number of Mayors across England, rather than hundreds of Council Leaders. Overall, Councillor Pemberton recommended that the Council submit an expression of interest in a Thames Valley MSA.

Some Members expressed their opposition to the establishment of a Mayoral Strategic Authority. As Police and Crime Commissioner and Local Elections had low voter turnout, questions were raised as to the democratic legitimacy of a future Mayor. In addition, the centralisation of power in the hands of a single mayor, and the undermining of the role of local authorities with decisions being taken further away from where residents lived, was also a concern. As there was no confirmation about the governance structure or funding proposed for the MSA at this time, it was questioned as to whether the Council should engage in the proposed process.

Council also questioned the geographical area that would be covered by a Thames Valley MSA, and if Swindon and Buckinghamshire would be included, as this was not mentioned in the report. However, as this process was still in its initial stages, Council noted that the geography had not been confirmed. Some Members also wanted greater clarity as to what benefits the MSA could bring to the area, such as promoting the wellbeing of children and young people and how it could better serve the rural communities in the district.

Overall, as Council believed that the creation of a MSA over West Berkshire was inevitable, they agreed to approve that the Executive submit the Expression of Interest and engage in the process in order to shape any MSA for the benefit of the local residents.

The Motion was put to the meeting and duly RESOLVED.