The Government
published its English Devolution White Paper on 16 December
2024. One of the Government’s
priorities within the White Paper was in respect of widening
devolution across England, with an approach of
“universal” and “devolution by default,”
rather than the current deals-based approach. The White Paper clearly set out that the most
far-reaching and flexible powers would be for Mayoral Strategic
Authorities, describing it as “unprecedented powers and
budgets for Mayors,” including:
·
Flexible allocated funding, with a long-term investment fund and,
once the area has qualified, funding granted through a flexible
Integrated Settlement,
·
A representative sitting on the Council of Nations and Regions,
·
A representative on the Mayoral Council,
·
A mandate to develop a Local Growth Plan, with local growth
priorities agreed with the Government providing focus for central
government and regional collaboration,
·
Membership of the Mayoral Data Council,
·
Powers drawn from a strengthened Devolution Framework, with a
significant devolution offer that will continue to grow over
time,
·
A clear pathway to unlocking higher levels of devolution reserved
for the most mature institutions, including access to the
Integrated Settlement which will grow in scope over time.
In
light of the benefits of a Mayoral Strategic Authority to
areas and residents, informal discussions about the potential to
create the same across upper tier councils in Cornwall and Devon
had taken place. Whilst it had not been
possible to finalise an agreement at this stage, but in recognition
of the national direction of travel of universal coverage of
strategic authorities and the drive for these to be Mayoral, the
Cabinet wished for its support for the same to be noted.
In relation to the
contents of the White Paper regarding Local Government
re-organisation, it was understood that all two
tier areas, together with small neighbouring authorities
would receive an invitation from Government during January 2025 to
submit proposals for the same. It was understood that interim
proposals would be due in March 2025 with final proposals due in
either May or Autumn 2025 (dependent upon engagement in priority
programmes).
The development of
proposals for Local Government reorganisation would need to be
informed by a detailed evidence base that ensured that all relevant
factors were taken into
account. It was important that
Officers started to work on developing an evidence base, working
with the other authorities across Devon to gather all of the necessary information in order to prepare
an options appraisal for Council to consider.
At the Cabinet
meeting, and after hearing the views of other members present,
Councillor David Thomas proposed and Councillor Chris Lewis
seconded a motion that was agreed unanimously by the Cabinet, as
set out above.
