Agenda item

Devolution within England

Rebecca Cox, Principal Policy Adviser, advised the board that the Devolution Bill was expected to receive royal assent shortly. She also highlighted that the Buses Bill would be of interest to the board.

In the discussion which followed, board members raised the following points:

·         There was a clear skills shortage within local government in some areas. For example, a lot was spent on agency workers in social care. Skills training needed to be invested in in the localities.

·         Members discussed the complexities of agreeing devolution deals in two tier areas and the implications of the recent amendments to the Bill. They asked officers to continue to monitor progress in non-metropolitan areas and to share learning where appropriate.

·         Members felt that combined authorities would be a significant part of the future and asked that the LGA look at researching models of governance that could help new combined authorities in their development. Members reiterated the LGA’s line that models of governance should not be a one size fits all proposition. Members also discussed how transport and police areas would work with combined authorities.

·         The complex relationship between councils and MPs was discussed. In some cases, it was felt the latter had limited knowledge of the local communities and devolution debate. This needed to be addressed as it could compromise work already achieved.

·         It was emphasised that it would be important to engage all people in areas considering devolution deals. Everyone would need to be involved in the process as there was more to be gained by working together. It was argued that it would be important for the Secretary of State to hold this line.

·         Members asked officers to refresh the work of a few years ago looking at functional economic areas. It was also argued that fiscal devolution beyond business rates needed to be considered.

Actions:

1.    LGA officers to continue to monitor devolution deals and support authorities where necessary.

2.    LGA officers to refresh their map of functional economic areas.

3.    LGA officers to look at fiscal devolution beyond business rates.

4.    The LGA to continue to develop its support offer and integrate this with its broader improvement work.

Decisions:

The City Regions Board:

1.    Noted the report.

2.    Agreed the next steps in taking forward the LGA’s campaign for devolution.