Purpose

To approve Bracknell Forest Council’s
participation in the submission to the Ministry of Housing,
Communities and Local Government of an expression of interest
detailing the opportunities of a Thames Valley Mayoral Strategic
Authority.

Decision

RESOLVED that:

     
I.        
the benefits from the proposed devolution of powers and functions
set out in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill
are endorsed.

    
II.        
the joint Expression of Interest (EOI) attached at Appendix 1 to be
submitted to the Secretary of State is approved, noting that the
EOI is designed to proactively position our region for early
consideration in the next wave of the Devolution Programme.

  
III.        
the EOI as an invitation to Government to open dialogue and
engagement with the region regarding the potential form and
operation of a Strategic Mayoral Authority, and not a decision to
establish a Mayoral Strategic Authority is acknowledged.

  
IV.        
that a further update report be brought back to Council as
necessary and prior to any final decision to create a Mayoral
Strategic Authority.

   
V.        
that the informal Devolution Board will oversee discussions with
Government, ensuring robust governance and stakeholder engagement
by elected members throughout this process are noted.
 
NB: The Mayor has
agreed that this decision should not be eligible for call-in in
view of the timescales involved, for all participating Authorities
to submit the Expression of Interest to Government. The Mayor
agreed that the decision was both reasonable in all circumstances
and that the decision should be treated as a matter of urgency.
 

Reasons for the decision

This report seeks approval to submit an
Expression of Interest (EOI) to Government. This is in response to
the Government’s devolution policy and proposals set out in
the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill which seeks
to position our region in the next round of devolution for the
purpose of creating a Mayoral Strategic Authority (MSA).
 
By submitting the EOI (Appendix 1) the Council
is requesting that the Secretary of State engage with the region on
devolution of powers and functions for the area. Our aim is to
enter dialogue with Government to target inclusive economic growth
working within a strategic partnership that focuses on promoting
innovation, sustainability and prosperity for our area. By
facilitating collaborative regional governance and providing
leadership, this Council can provide a framework to promote
inclusive growth for our area for the benefit and wellbeing of our
residents.

Alternative options considered

The English Devolution and Community
Empowerment Bill at its report stage and is about making provision
for Strategic Authorities. The Government will also legislate for a
ministerial directive, which will enable it to directly create
Strategic Authorities in places where local leaders in that region
have not been able to agree how to access devolved powers.
Therefore the “do nothing” option could mean Government
directing what happens in our area.
 
Opting to begin formal discussions with
Government on devolution would allow the Council to lead the
definition of the MSA for our region. This will provide choice over
the geography and the ability to determine the key priorities for
our area. As well as ensuring we are not left behind.
 
Should this Council consent to an MSA at a
future meeting, it would have representation at the Council of
Nations and Regions influencing government policy and ensuring our
local community voice is heard.