Issue - meetings

To receive a verbal update on Essex Wide Devolution.

The Director of Service Delivery provided a verbal update in relation to Essex Wide Devolution advising that:

·                  although discussions between Essex, Thurrock and Southend Councils with Central Government had been delayed during the summer, the aim was to identify potential options to explore.

·                  the first Devolution Member Working Group had taken place in July.  Members agreed to invite Councillor Graham Butland, Essex County Council (ECC) Portfolio Holder for Devolution to the next meeting which would be held in late September.

·                  ECC was currently undertaking the next round of briefings to all Councillors across the County.  Following the briefing that had taken place the evening of this meeting, the next briefing would be on Friday 22 September at 10am.  The Director advised that any supporting documentation arising from the briefings would be shared with Members.

In response to questions raised, the Director provided the following additional information:

·                  Devolution was through Greater Essex which included the two unitary authorities, and any potential impacts, such as a Council entering into a Section 114 agreement, would be part of the discussions that would be taking place.

·                  The Level Three option would have a mayor and with that came more powers and funding.  At this time Essex was running two scenarios for both levels two and three.

The Leader of the Council advised he would circulate all Members an email which provided detailed regarding a Bill going through Parliament to which the House of Lords had proposed an amendment.  He advised Members of the amendment which related to the involvement of District Council’s (if there was devolution) in all discussions.  He reported that he had lobbied the local Members of Parliament regarding this and encouraged Members to do the same.