Agenda item

The Chair invited Eleanor Law, Adviser, to introduce the report.

Eleanor introduced the report which provided an overview of provisions within the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill related to devolution and levelling up missions.

Board Members made a number of comments and asked questions which related to the following points:

• Equality in relation to powers between different devolution deal areas.
• Concerns in relation to powers transferred to combined authorities without consent and the exclusion of districts.
• Cllr Emily O’Brien asked that it be minuted that extensive discussions had recently taken place within the independent group in relation to a strong opposition to devolution powers being conditional on an elected mayor, and also, concerns about the move towards larger authorities.
• The importance of planning, green field sites, renewable energy and the nuclear programme was emphasised.
• Roles of parish and town councils and associated responsibilities.

Decision:

·       Board Members noted the report.

Action:

·       Officers to work with councils, government and parliamentarians to identify opportunities and challenges posed by the Bill.