Issue - meetings

The slides are attached for the presentation on ‘West of England Devolution Update’.

The Divisional Director of Strategy and Performance, David Trethewey gave a presentation to the Panel which covered the following:

·  Devolution

·  The West of England Proposition

·  Regional Strengths

·  Regional Challenges

·  Objectives

·  The proposition

·  Governance

·  Next Steps

Panel members made the following points and asked the following questions:

Councillor Barrett asked how much work has been done before it is known whether or not there will be an elected mayor. The officer explained that a Strategic Governance Review was set up in the summer. He further explained that the Government ministers have explained that a directly elected Mayor is not definite, it would depend on what is being devolved. The Strategic Director for Resources Andrew Pate, explained that it is not about imposing something on our existing governance, it is about additional powers, money and freedoms. He further explained that the authority are only at the ‘in principle stage’ at the present time and that the details of the working arrangements will be agreed in the final stages.

Councillor Goodman asked what the implications are of one authority not joining when the other three have agreed. The Divisional Director explained that the question is about the viability of delivering the deal so it would depend on the level of involvement.

Councillor Pearce asked what kind of powers would be involved. The Strategic Director explained that the four authorities would not be joined politically, the new powers would be added on top and a mayor would run this extra part. The Divisional Director explained that this authority is interested in going for devolved power around things that help drive the economy such as: housing and planning; first refusal on government land disposals; tourism levy.

Councillor Becker asked if Whitehall is cutting back on its departments and what budget this involved. The Divisional Director explained that the government is cutting back 40% in each department and that the budget involved here would be the DCLG (Department of Community and Local Government).

Councillor Barrett asked if members would play a lead role, the Strategic Director explained that the Council leaders would lead on talks with ministers on this.