Issue - meetings

In February 2022 Government released its White Paper on Levelling Up, its flagship policy which is intended to impact on all areas of central and local government, and to reduce the differentiation between those people and places who are successful and those who are left behind. A key component of Government’s plan is “to devolve power and give local leaders and communities the tools they need to make better places” (Levelling Up and Regeneration (www.gov.uk).  This report presents the work undertaken to date to explore the opportunities for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole in relation to devolution, and recommends that this exploratory work continues until such a time as a decision is required.

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)    Approved the continuation of exploratory work relating to devolution until such time as a final decision is required;

(b)   Requested a further report is brought back to Cabinet

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Leader of the Council

Reason

Further work is required to fully understand the options available to the Council before a final decision can be made.

The Leader of the Council presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'B' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was reminded that in February 2022 Government released its White Paper on Levelling Up, its flagship policy which is intended to impact on all areas of central and local government, and to reduce the differentiation between those people and places who are successful and those who are left behind. A key component of Government’s plan is “to devolve power and give local leaders and communities the tools they need to make better places” (Levelling Up and Regeneration (www.gov.uk). This report presents the work undertaken to date to explore the opportunities for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole in relation to devolution, and recommends that this exploratory work continues until such a time as a decision is required.

The Cabinet were advised that this was in early stages but was very welcomed. The direction of travel was more towards local leaders and some early conversations have taken place.

A non-Cabinet member highlighted the potential loss of local accountability.

Non-Cabinet Councillors also spoke on the different potential options for collaboration, transport network issues and issues around directly elected mayors. The Leader commented on how important full member engagement would be and that at present no decisions had been made.

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)    Approves the continuation of exploratory work relating to devolution until such time as a final decision is required;

(b)   Requests a further report is brought back to Cabinet

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Leader of the Council