Minutes:
Andrew Campbell, Associate Director, introduced the report. He advised the board that a “green paper” on devolution for the LGA Conference had been discussed at the last LGA Leadership Board. It was felt that the LGA should be pushing the government to take devolution further. He discussed changes to business rates and the possibilities offered by further fiscal devolution in the future. He asked what further powers authorities should be seeking at the combined authority level and for members to give the LGA a steer on this.
Public engagement in the devolution debate was also discussed, as was the impact on the LGA. Changes to the role of regulators, national agencies and arm’s length bodies in local places was also touched upon. He proposed coming back to update the board at regular intervals.
Decisions:
1. Members noted the report.
2. Members agreed that a Green Paper be prepared for the LGA’s Annual Conference.
Actions:
1. LGA officers to consider a survey across LGA membership to get a sense of views on the elected mayor governance model.
2. LGA officers to look at a working group with representatives from the People and Places Board to look at a coherent framework for devolution deals.