Purpose

Update on the progress of Buckinghamshire's Level 2 devolution deal framework and approval to submit the readiness criteria for devolution of the Adult Skills Fund to DfE

Decision

Government announced ambitions plans for devolution in its Devolution White Paper in December 2024. These would see significant changes to local governance including establishment of regional Strategic Authorities as well as local government reorganisation for all remaining two-tier areas. Much of the details of the scope and role of new strategic authorities remained to be set out by government.

Within this wider context the existing Buckinghamshire devolution framework was progressing on two areas; the Adult Skills Fund and Homes England Compulsory Purchase Powers (CPO). Managing the Adult Skills Fund would be a new function for the council to manage whilst the CPO powers, although new, would provide additional application of powers already held. This paper sought approval of the draft readiness criteria for the Adult Skills Fund that must be submitted to the Department for Education in May; and authority was delegated to the Chief Executive Officer, in consultation with the Leader, to consent to the legislation changes required for the Homes England Compulsory Purchase Powers to be devolved.

Additionally due to Buckinghamshire’s devolution status as a Foundation Strategic Authority, plans were progressing to launch the Connect to Work programme later this year.

RESOLVED

·       That the details of the progress of Buckinghamshire’s Level 2 devolution deal framework be noted.

·       That the finalisation of the letter in appendix 1 required to submit the readiness criteria for devolution of the Adult Skills Fund to DfE in May be delegated to the Corporate Director for Resources in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Education and Children's Service

·       That the Chief Executive Officer, in consultation with the Leader, be given delegated authority to consent to legislation making for the Compulsory Purchase Powers due to the tight turnaround of the parliamentary process.

·       That a supplementary budget change to add £150k Adult Education implementation grant to the Council’s Revenue MTFP be agreed.

·       That the proposed use of £177k of the Mitigating Financial Risks Reserve to support implementation of the deal be noted.