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The Scrutiny Corporate and Resources Committee
RESOLVED to:
 

1.   
NOTE the progress made on the Council’s Local Devolution
Programme to date.

2.   
RECOMMEND for Local Devolution phases to ensure:
a.   
Local members should be explicitly involved in the devolution
process from an earlier stage, ideally from Step 3, rather than
only at Step 4.
b.   
There must be a significant improvement in communication with
councillors, including timely updates on parish engagement and
meeting agendas.
c.    
The programme should ensure that smaller parish councils are not
excluded and should explore collective working models to enable
their participation.
d.   
Officers should provide clearer tracking of where each council
stands in the devolution process and share this with both members
and parish councils.
e.   
The council should consider implementing mechanisms to evaluate the
outcomes and financial implications of devolved services, including
administrative and sunk costs.
f.     
Due diligence findings that may prevent devolution should be
communicated early to avoid misunderstandings and manage
expectations.