Agenda item

Report of the Chief Executive

The Chief Executive presented the report to Members and highlighted the next steps as detailed on page 41 of the report.  Further to the report, the Chief Executive informed Members that the consultation document within the report that was agreed at Full Council had now been agreed by all authorities involved.

Councillor N Clarke regarding the cost of running the authority, commented that it was a higher cost for North West Leicestershire because we were co-ordinating the project and that meant the cost of the Chief Executive’s time.  The Chief Executive responded that she believed the costs as set out were fair and that all officers involved across the various authorities were putting a large amount of time to the project.  She added that there were benefits from co-ordinating as she was fully aware of all that was happening and it was advantageous to have a voice.  Councillor N Clarke understood the advantages but continued to raise concerns regarding the time spent by the Chief Executive.  Councillor R Blunt commented that he had agreed that the Chief Executive should be involved in her current capacity and believed that the benefits from the arrangement were worth her time spent. 

In response to a question from Councillor N Clarke regarding the membership of the proposed Scrutiny Committee of the combined authority and how it would operate, the Chief Executive explained that a template from another combined authority was being used as a starting point and discussions were currently being had regarding the changes that were required, so unfortunately she could not answer specific questions on the operation of the Scrutiny Committee at this point.

Councillor J Coxon congratulated the Chief Executive on the progression made and he believed that working together as a combined authority was the way forward.  His only concern was how it would impact on Parish Council’s in the future with regards to the dissolving of services.

Councillor V Richichi raised concerns regarding a possible reduction in staffing levels at North West Leicestershire District Council because of the arrangement.  Councillor R Blunt stated that each Council would still have its own work to carry out and nothing had been decided on individual jobs.  He added that there were still a lot of discussions to be had.  The Chief Executive explained that as local authorities were receiving less money each year from National Government it was crucial to work together and rely on other income streams.  Some authorities were also sharing services due to an inability to recruit to vacant posts.

In response to a request from Councillor J Geary, the Chief Executive assured Members that the planning service would stay within the District Council and Section 106 money would be ring fenced for the area.  In response to a further question from Councillor J Geary, the Chief Executive explained that the Planning Sub Committee referred to within the report was already in existence as the Members Advisory Group.  It would ultimately work towards the growth plan and is made up of Cabinet Members from the involved authorities; it was chaired by Councillor T J Pendleton.

Regarding the invitation from Nottinghamshire County Council to join their bid as referred to in an email from Andrew Bridgen MP as detailed with the report, Councillor J Geary asked for an update on the situation.  Councillor R Blunt reported that this arrangement was not currently an option as Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire sit much better together.  Councillor A C Saffell expressed concerns that as an authority we would not have a strong enough voice and would be left behind if we did not become involved with the other cities.  He believed that we should be cautious.  Councillor R Blunt believed that an agreement would only work if all parties were in agreement and willing to work together.  He commented that the District had already seen growth and therefore believed that the proposed arrangements would work well.

In response to questions from Councillor D Harrison, the Chief Executive stated that discussions were still being had regarding whether a separate team of officers would be running the combined authority and this was something that would need to be progressed.  She believed that the combined authority could not raise revenue through an element of Council Tax but would report this back to Members.

By affirmation of the meeting it was

RESOLVED THAT:

The report be noted.