Agenda item

The Chair introduced the report, which provided an overview of the legislative programme for the new Government as set out in the Queen’s Speech on 27 May 2015.

The Board noted that the Bills of particular interest to the Board were the Cities and Local Government Devolution Bill, the Buses Bill and the Housing Bill. Future housing policy was the focus of a report later on the agenda.

Regarding the Cities and Devolution Bill, the Chairman commented that it would be useful for Lead Members of the Board to meet with the new Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.  A further report on this Bill should be considered by the Board at the next meeting following discussions with the Secretary of State. The Head of Policy explained that the Bill had already started progress through the Houses of Parliament, and that a report would also be considered by the City Regions Board and the People and Places Board.

Members endorsed the LGA view of the Buses Bill, which had been set out in the ‘on the day’ briefing on the Queen’s Speech.

Decision

·         That a meeting between the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government and the EEHT Board Lead Members be sought to discuss the Cities and Local Government Bill.  

·         That the LGA positon on the Buses Bill be endorsed.

Action

·         Officers to arrange meeting between the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government and the EEHT Board Lead Members.