Issue - meetings

The report of the Chief Executive is attached.

The Leader and Portfolio Holder for Strategic and Borough-wide Leadership, Councillor Clarke presented the report of the Chief Executive, providing an update on the progress of the East Midlands Mayoral Combined County Authority, following the passing of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act.

In moving the recommendation, the Leader referred to the importance of this issue not just for the four upper tier authorities but for the borough and district authorities too, and referred to the significant benefits that it would bring, including additional investment to the region.  The Combined County Authority would also give a single voice, making it easier to focus, which was important given that there were 15 separate borough and district authorities in the region, as well as the four upper tier authorities.  Council noted that there would be four borough and district representatives on the Executive Leaders Group, two from Nottinghamshire and two from Derbyshire, to ensure that local opinions were voiced. The Leader reiterated that this would bring £4billion additional investment to the region, to improve infrastructure and services and that this would be the first time that all authorities worked together.  The Leader thanked officers for their hard work in bringing this forward, confirmed that it had been approved by the four upper tier authorities and stated that it was important that Rushcliffe was involved, to take advantage of the many benefits going forward, including an integrated transport system.

Councillor Brennanseconded the recommendation and reserved the right to speak.

Councillor Grocock advised that the Labour Group would be supporting the recommendation, the ongoing engagement and involvement of Rushcliffe in this process and the delivery of the associated benefits. Councillor Grocock referred to the complexity and inconsistency of devolution across the country, with the East Midlands being a pilot for this Combined County Authority.  Councillor Grocock felt that the patchwork of devolution arrangements across the country was a result of a lack of commitment by successive Governments to deliver a consistent approach, and that no advanced western economy had the regional disparities in socio-economic opportunity as experienced in the UK.  Despite those concerns, Councillor Grocock stated that there were many positives to take from this deal, and that the key question was how Rushcliffe could make the most of this and play its part.  Councillor Grocock noted the proposed membership of the Executive Leaders Group, which was made up of four Labour councillors.  Councillor Grocock hoped that going forward everyone would collaborate to find common ground and deliver for the residents of Rushcliffe, by recognising the role that it could play regionally as a locus for inward investment, and associated benefits.

Councillor R Mallender stated that devolution in the East Midlands was long overdue, and advised that in respect of transport, it was not long ago that the total funding allocated to the East Midlands was less than the annual uplift for London, which highlighted how far behind the region was compared to many other areas of the UK.  Councillor Mallender stated that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 44