Minutes:
The Chair welcomed Ami Beeton to the Board. Ami provided the board with a verbal update on the devolution framework and the LGA’s work to support combined authorities.
Ami noted that the Chairman of the People and Places Board had recently written to the MHCLG Secretary of State regarding the devolution framework and that the LGA had received a holding reply from the Department’s Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Jake Berry MP. Ami noted that there remains uncertainty around the scope and content of the devolution framework and when it will be published.
Ami also brought to members attention work commissioned by MHCLG looking at the internal institutional process of combined authorities. The LGA are expecting the findings of this work to be published in May and will be working with MHCLG to consider how this might inform the LGA’s offer to combined authorities.
Ami concluded by noting that the LGA would be discussing concerns regarding reporting demands on combined authorities with the Combined Authority Chief Executive Network in February.
The Chair thanked Ami for her update, and congratulated her on securing her secondment placement at Surrey Council.
The Chair also highlighted the robust evidence review being undertaken in Greater Manchester through the GM Independent Prosperity Review.
Decision
Members noted the update.