Agenda item

Philip Clifford, Senior Adviser, introduced item four.

Philip stated that the report advances the proposal set out in the City Region Board’s Draft Work Programme 2018/19 to assemble a coalition of interested parties and representative bodies and make the distinct case for urban authorities on the national stage.  Philip then went on to outline the four options laid out in the paper.

The Chair stated that this work has arisen out of numerous conversations with a number of organisations representing urban voices.  To ensure that calls and lobbying do not become fragmented, this work will ensure representative organisations are collectively making a coherent case for urban areas.

Members then commented on the following:

·         Members discussed the four different options.  It was agreed that the first two (outlined in paragraph 10.1 and 10.2) largely duplicate previous work that might be easily be recirculated.

·         Members discussed the merits of making arguments that benefit both local and central government, in order to work cohesively. 

·         Members also requested that any devolution work taken forward also include Wales.  The Chair stated that the lack of devolution is a nationwide problem, due to the UK having a very centralised government.  

·         Members agreed that coordinating calls, lobbying and messages is vital. 

·         Members discussed the upcoming Spending Review, and discussions turned to timescales of this work.  Officers confirmed that work on this work will be undertaken straight away and that other organisations are in agreement with this.

Action

·         Members agreed to look at option 10.4, and then 10.3 in the first instance.