Local democracy

Agenda item

WEST YORKSHIRE DEVOLUTION CONSULTATION AND NEXT STEPS

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 19th 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)

 

Minutes:

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 19th 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 her hard work and contribution in ensuring the Deal was signed off in a timely manner.  He added that the Deal would bring prosperity to the people of Bradford, through growth and resilience.

The Leader stressed that enabling access to reskilling was one of the cornerstones of the Deal, and that this would enable the economic and regeneration potential of the district to be realised. 

The Regeneration, Planning and Transport Portfolio Holder in expressing his support, outlined the existing Combined Authority funded  initiatives, as well as Council funded programmes that had already put us on a path of economic regeneration and transport infrastructure improvements.  That this deal would only accelerate and enhance what we had already achieved to date.  In response to a question regarding the proposals to create a park and ride scheme in south Bradford, it was explained that this would reduce congestion on the arterial routes into the city, as well as provide environmental benefits and reduce congestion.

The Leader in endorsing the Deal welcomed the investment opportunities that would be realised and that this would in turn result in the creation of much needed employment in the district,  and she urged support for the Deal.

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

 

 

Supporting documents: