The Chief Executive will submit a report (Document “BZ”) which provides an update on devolution for West Yorkshire and the progress towards a Mayoral Combined Authority. It considers the outcomes of the recent Devolution consultation managed through West Yorkshire Combined Authority, including responses from across Bradford District. This follows the recent Executive report “Devolution Deal for West Yorkshire – Review of Governance Arrangements (and which proposed the Consultation process) considered on 19^th May 2020.

Recommended –

(1)       To consider the Summary of Consultation Responses attached as Appendix 1 to this report and endorse its conclusions.

(2)       To agree in principle to the Summary of Consultation Responses and representations set out in Appendix one being submitted to the Secretary of State by 11 September, and to jointly delegate authority to the Managing Director of the Combined Authority, in consultation with the Leader and Chief Executive of each Constituent Council and the Chair of the Combined Authority, to finalise and submit these documents.

(3)       To note the updated timetable set out in Appendix 2 to this report and the next steps which are subject to the consent being given by the Constituent Councils and Combined Authority, to the draft Order in November 2020 so that a mayoral combined authority model and associated changes may be adopted and implemented by May 2021, as set out in the Deal.

(4)       To refer this report and appendices to Council to consider, provide any comments and endorse the Executive decisions taken.

(5)       To resolve that this decision is exempt from call-in on the grounds of urgency, for the reasons set out in paragraph 6.1 of Document “BZ”.

Overview & Scrutiny Committee: Corporate

(Phil Witcherley – 01274 431241)

Resolved –

(1)       That the Summary of Consultation Responses attached as Appendix 1 to Document “BZ” and its conclusions be endorsed.

(2)       That the Summary of Consultation Responses and representations set out in Appendix 1 to Document “BZ” be agreed in principle to being submitted to the Secretary of State by 11 September 2020, and to jointly delegate authority to the Managing Director of the Combined Authority, in consultation with the Leader and Chief Executive of each Constituent Council and the Chair of the Combined Authority, to finalise and submit these documents.

(3)       That the updated timetable set out in Appendix 2 to Document “BZ” and the next steps be noted which are subject to the consent being given by the Constituent Councils and Combined Authority, to the draft Order in November 2020 so that a mayoral combined authority model and associated changes may be adopted and implemented by May 2021, as set out in the Deal.

(4)       That Document “BZ” and the associated appendices be referred to Council to consider, provide any comments and endorse the Executive decisions taken.

(5)       That this decision is exempt from call-in on the grounds of urgency, for the reasons set out in paragraph 6.1 to Document “BZ”.

ACTION: Chief Executive

Overview & Scrutiny Committee: Corporate

(Phil Witcherley – 01274 431241)

Prior to the consideration of the item, the Leader stated that as the number of positive Covid cases increased in the district and nationally, there was a imperative that everyone remained vigilant about the virus and maintained social distancing, washed their hands frequently and wore face masks in enclosed spaces and when out and about;  and that this required a concerted effort by everyone if we were to reduce the numbers.

The Chief Executive submitted a report (Document “BZ”) which provided an update on devolution for West Yorkshire and the progress towards a Mayoral Combined Authority. It considered the outcomes of the recent Devolution consultation managed through West Yorkshire Combined Authority, including responses from across Bradford District. This follows the recent Executive report “Devolution Deal for West Yorkshire – Review of Governance Arrangements (and which proposed the Consultation process) considered on 19^th May 2020.

The Leader stated that this devolution deal afforded us with a great opportunity for the district particular in terms of the regeneration possibilities that it would create, driving  economic growth and prosperity.  The Agreement was signed in March with the Chancellor, with a deal worth £38m a year, which was one of the best deals negotiated thus far.  This report would enable us to move to the next steps and complete the process by November, with Council also having oversight over the process.

The Managing Director of the WYCA was present at the meeting and explained the next steps in the devolution process which were detailed in the report, stressing that the respective Councils would have a veto on planning matters.

The Leader of the main opposition group was present at the meeting and stated that that although he welcomed the Deal, people had to be aware of the financial ramifications of such a Deal , including the imposition of a levy and a precept which would see an increase in Council Tax rates once the deal was finalised, as well as a rise in business rates, so the deal had to be looked at in this context.  He also questioned the governance arrangements relating to the Mayoral role, and that effectively 5 elected Council leaders would make decisions affecting the whole region, with a quorum being only three. 

The Leader stated that there would be opposition member representation on the Mayoral Committee as well as Scrutiny Committee oversight.  The Managing Director of the WYCA also stressed that we awaited the finer details and that there was no final decisions that had been made regarding charges etc at this stage.

Another Opposition Member was also present and stated that he was concerned that we do not end up with a Leeds centric position and that the scrutiny role had to be an effective one, to ensure oversight of the decisions that will be made.  The Leader acknowledged the points made, stating that good governance arrangements would be in place to ensure there was effective oversight.

The Deputy Leader thanked the Leader for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 146