Issue - meetings

HM Government requested the Council return an expression of interest pro-forma in September, stating its devolution preferences.  This matter was debated at this Board in September 2024, considering the options set out by the Chief Executive. Subsequently, a response was submitted expressing the Council’s preference for devolution on a BCP-only geography.

On 16 December, Government released its Devolution White Paper which sets out some new parameters, building on the previous framework, with the aims of working at a larger scale, bringing consistent governance to the devolution process and bringing into law the creation of Statutory Authorities.

Those councils leading the Heart of Wessex proposal have stated they would opt to set up a mayoral model, which has raised their profile with Government, offering the chance to be part of the new “Devolution Priority Programme”.  BCP Council has been invited to join the Heart of Wessex configuration and the proposed Mayoral Statutory Authority. This report sets out this context in more detail for members to consider the situation and recommend a way forward.

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. The Board was informed that the Government requested that the Council return an expression of interest pro-forma in September, stating its devolution preferences.  This matter was debated at the Board meeting in September 2024, considering the options set out by the Chief Executive. Subsequently, a response was submitted expressing the Council’s preference for devolution on a BCP-only geography. 

On 16 December, Government released its Devolution White Paper which set out some new parameters, building on the previous framework, with the aims of working at a larger scale, bringing consistent governance to the devolution process and bringing into law the creation of Statutory Authorities. 

Those councils leading the Heart of Wessex proposal stated they would opt to set up a mayoral model, which has raised their profile with Government, offering the chance to be part of the new “Devolution Priority Programme”.  BCP Council has been invited to join the Heart of Wessex configuration and the proposed Mayoral Statutory Authority. This report sets out this context in more detail for members to consider the situation and recommend a way forward.

There was a presentation given by the Chief Executive which set out the Heart of Wessex Proposal and the Hampshire and Solent proposal that BCP could also join.

There was a long discussion regarding the proposals and the Board felt that the deadline was unreasonable and that more time should be taken to explore other options that could be available.  The Board were also of the view that the Heart of Wessex proposal was not necessarily the right one for BCP as those areas were more rural than BCP.

It was RESOLVED that

a: The Leader arranges an emergency Full Council Meeting at the earliest opportunity to enable a vote of ALL of the available options

b: An evidence-based piece of work be undertaken on the pros and cons of a devolution arrangement with both the Solent deal AND Wessex deal, including exploring a public referendum for BCP residents.

Voting: For:10, Against:0, Abstentions:1