LGA Governance


Agenda and minutes

Agenda and minutes

Venue: Westminster Room, 8th Floor, 18 Smith Square, London, SW1P 3HZ. View directions

Contact: Frances Marshall  0207 664 3220 / Email: frances.marshall@local.gov.uk

Items
No. Item

1.

Declarations of Interest

Minutes:

No declarations were made.

2.

Adult Social Care Reform and Funding pdf icon PDF 80 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Cllr Izzi Seccombe (Community Wellbeing Board Chair) briefly introduced the item by updating the meeting on a number of recent developments in health and social care integration.  She invited Members’ views on the LGA’s draft response to the Government consultation on the distribution of the grant to pay for new burdens arising from the Care Act. 

 

In the discussion that followed, Members made a number of comments, including:

 

·        Members discussed the impact of recent Government policy and process changes on local authorities’ ability to resubmit their Better Care Fund (BCF) Plans by 19 September deadline, and shared local intelligence on progresses within their regions.  A Member suggested that the next Executive meeting receive a report on the development of BCF plans across the piece; with a view to assessing progresses and identifying challenges. Members were encouraged to share their local knowledge with Sally Burlington (Head of Programmes for Adult Social Care and Health).

 

·        In discussing the proposed formulae for the distribution of new burdens funding for adult social care, Members sought clarification on the variation between the indicative allocations for councils in the December 2013 local government finance settlement and the total illustrative allocations set out in the Government’s consultation.

 

·        Whilst there was unanimous support for the continued integration of health and adult social care, serious concerns were expressed regarding local authorities’ ability to meet the financial, resource and time pressures.  Of particular importance was the need for clarity on the funding for implementation of the Care Act as well as on funding to pay for the new burdens in relation to Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. 

 

Decisions

The LGA Executive:

       i.          asked that their views inform the continuing dialogue on the Better Care Fund between the LGA and the Department for Health; and

      ii.          approved the LGA’s response to the consultation on funding formulae for implementation of the Care Act in 2015/16.

3.

Local Growth Deals pdf icon PDF 91 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Cllr Peter Box (Environment, Economy, Housing and Transport Board Chair) introduced the item by summarising the key findings from LGA analysis of the Local Growth Deals announced by Government in July.  In doing so, he highlighted the fragmented and centralised nature of the current funding landscape and emphasised the need to challenge Government on the level of devolution that has been delivered. He invited Members’ views on how the LGA could keep up the pressure on Government to deliver greater devolution to local areas. 

 

In the discussion that followed, Members made a number of comments, including:

 

·        The Executive warmly welcomed the report and highlighted the value of sharing its findings with all councils in LGA membership. 

 

·        With reference to numerous examples of CityDeals from across the country, Members expressed frustration at the lack of genuine devolution and current centralised and uncertain funding landscape.  There was strong feeling that the next round of growth deals must be much more ambitious - encompassing a boarder scope than simply monetary transactions – and more inclusive –  realising the value of rural economies in driving growth.

 

·        In discussing the potential implications of the outcome of the Scottish referendum, Members highlighted the unique opportunity the national debate provided to build on the momentum and make a compelling case for greater financial and decision-making freedoms for English and Welsh localities.  The suggestion of an LGA coordinated sector wide campaign was put forward.  Members felt it was important that any campaign clearly articulate the sector’s expectations of what ‘devolution’ means in practice through a series of key ‘asks’, such as devolving skills and jobs funding to local areas.

 

·        There strong was cross party support for adopting an asymmetric approach to devolution which enabled councils to move at a pace in line their own capacity, whilst simultaneously ensuring that all areas have access the same tools and opportunities. 

 

·        Whilst discussing the central role of Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) in delivering local growth plans, concerns were raised over the local accountability of LEPs, their boundaries and the level of LGA engagement with the LEP community.

 

·        The financial and resource implications of bidding for multiple streams were discussed.  Whilst some Members expressed concerns regarding the drain on finance and resources, it was also noted that these could be minimised through robust and well aligned business planning processes.

 

Decisions

The LGA Executive:

       i.          asked that their views inform the LGA’s lobbying work; and

      ii.          agreedthat the Environment, Economy, Housing and Transport Board take this work forward. 

4.

LGA Nominations to EU Committee of the Regions pdf icon PDF 103 KB

Minutes:

Ian Hughes (Head of Programmes) introduced the report which asked Executive to endorse the list of nominations to the Committee of the Regions for the 2015-20 mandate which had been compiled by the LGA political groups offices in line with the selection criteria.

 

Overall the delegation met the selection criteria in terms of geographical balance. However in response to an issue raised Group Leaders agreed to review the appointments from the East Midlands to ensure more balanced representation from that region.

 

Decision

The LGA Executive approved the list of nominations to the Committee of the Regions for the 2015-20 mandate, on the proviso that there were discussions with East Midland members regarding representation.

5.

Membership, Terms of Reference and Appointments to the LGA's Governance Structures for 2014/2015 pdf icon PDF 121 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The item was moved by the Chairman without further comment. 

 

With reference to the People and Places membership, a Member asked that the remaining vacancy be filled by a Member from the East of England, as the region was at present not represented on the Board.   Group Leaders agreed to look into this issue. 

 

Decision

The LGA Executive noted its Membership, Terms of Reference and the appointments to the LGA’s governance structures for 2014/2015, subject to further discussion on the remaining vacancy on the People and Places Board.

6.

Note of the last Leadership Board meeting - Tabled

Minutes:

Decision

The Executive noted the minutes of the Leadership Board held on Wednesday 10 September.

7.

Note of last LGA Executive meeting pdf icon PDF 102 KB

Minutes:

Decision

The Executive agreed the minutes of the previous Executive meeting held on 17 July.  

8.

Dates of Meetings in 2014/15 pdf icon PDF 59 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Decision

The Executive noted the meeting dates for the 2014/15 meeting cycle.