Agenda item

Item 5 and item 7 were considered jointly by Members.

Item 5 on the future of local growth provided reflections of a Chatham House (official level) discussion with Government officials who were joined by the LGA Board’s Chief Executives, advisors (core and key cities) and senior representatives of the LEP Network

Item 7 gave the board sight of the background paper going to the LGA Executive on 23 October. Members were asked to consider how the Board can best advocate for the interests of city regions as the debate on devolution develops in the context of key issues such as;

·         the right ‘shape’ of an English devolution settlement;

·         the detailed balance between devolving functions, central funding and local taxing powers; and

·         how to approach a potentially lengthy devolution debate and negotiation against a background of political complexity and uncertainty.

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Members noted the key points in each paper and also expressed concern that:

·         The Civil Service may not be able to embrace the pace of change that Local Government would like to see in any transfer of powers; and

·         LEPs are not working well with Local Government in some areas.

Action:Officers and members reflect the key messages set out in item 5 in the ongoing devolution debate and to also take account of members’ additional concerns (above) as the debate progresses.