Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: May 28, 2025

Purpose:

Content: RESOLVED   The Scrutiny Corporate and Resources Committee was asked to:   ·       Note the significant progress made on the Council’s Local Devolution Programme to date.   Although progress of the Council’s Local Devolution Programme was noted, the Committee expressed concerns about the speed of the progress made so far but accepted that some delays may be impacted by the legal process. It was requested that delays caused by the legal process be prioritised and resolved as soon as possible to address growing lack of confidence in the process of devolution.   ·       Consider and made recommendations in relation to future phases of Local Devolution.   The Committee requested:   1.     Reassurance on the position of assets devolved on a leasehold basis, should the Council be subject to a S114 notice. 2.     Learning from Councils that have been through devolution. 3.     Communications between the Council and Divisional Councillors to be improved to enable them to understand the work being undertaken within their division. 4.     More opportunities to be explored to enable smaller parish councils to share the administration, costs and legal activities involved with devolved services. 5.     Regular updates to be provided to the Committee on the progress of devolution, the next being no later than October 2025. 6.     A more detailed breakdown of the savings made by the Devolution Programme. 7.     Monitor the devolved work and services being commissioned by the Parish, Town and City Councils to ensure they are getting value for money. 8.     Reassurance that there is sufficient resources within Somerset Council to deal with and process requests for devolved services from the Parish, Town and City Councils.   ·       Consider and recommend key messages for inclusion in a letter or briefing to all City, Town and Parish Councils.   The Committee requested that the comments made during the course of the discussion be taken into consideration when composing the letter or briefing for the local Councils.