Issue - meetings

East Midlands Freeport Accountable Body

The report of the Chief Executive is attached.

Additional documents:

Decision:

It was RESOLVED that:

a) the transfer of accountable body status for the East Midlands Freeport (EMF) from Leicestershire County Council (LCC) to the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) be approved;

b) EMCCA becoming a founder member of the East Midlands Freeport be agreed; and

c) the necessary changes to the governance documents be agreed, to enable this transfer to take place in accordance with the principles set out in this report.

Minutes:

The Leader and Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Strategic and Borough-wide Leadership, Councillor Clarke MBE, presented the report of the Chief Executive, seeking Cabinet support for the transfer of Accountable Body Status of the East Midlands Freeport (EMF) from Leicestershire County Council to the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).

The Leader referred to the three recommendations detailed in the report and to paragraph 4.4, which detailed the requirement and timeframe for the transfer of the Accountable Body Status. The Leader felt that the transfer to EMCCA was sensible and advised that it had been discussed and approved by other members and he was happy to propose the recommendations.

In seconding the recommendation, Councillor Brennan stated that this would help to simplify the EMF structure, making it easier to encourage investment in the area. She noted that there were proposals for six month reviews to look at strategic alignment between EMCCA, EMF and wider regional priorities, and she hoped that the proposed changes would reduce fragmentation going forward.