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AGREED: That Cabinet
noted the report and:
 
i)            
Endorsed the benefits from the proposed devolution of powers and
functions set out in the English Devolution and Community
Empowerment Bill.
 
ii)           
Recommended to Full Council (17 December 2025) that it approved
the joint Expression of Interest (EOI) attached at Appendix B be
submitted to the Secretary of State, noting that the EOI was
designed to proactively position the region for early consideration
in the next wave of the devolution programme.
 
iii)          
Acknowledged the EOI as an invitation to government to open
dialogue and engagement with the region regarding the potential
form and operation of a Mayoral Strategic Authority, and not a
decision to establish an MSA.
 
iv)          
Agreed that further update reports be brought back to Cabinet
and Full Council as necessary and prior to any final decision to
create an MSA.
 
v)           
Noted that an informal Devolution Board – comprised of
council Leaders - will oversee discussions with government,
ensuring robust governance and stakeholder engagement by elected
members throughout this process.