Agenda item

This report invites the Board to note the current position on the Three Southern Counties (3SC) devolution proposals and progress on Surrey Joint Working (previously known as “Double Devolution”)

Declarations of Interest:

Steve Cosser declared that he was a Director of the Surrey Association of Local Councils

Witnesses:

David McNulty, Chief Executive

Key points raised during the discussion:

1.    The Chief Executive began by explaining that there had been little progress with the Three Southern Counties (3SC) devolution bid in recent months and that a decision would be taken in May as to whether the strategy should be resumed.

2.    Members recalled that when the Leadership Risk Register came before the Board in April 2016, it was suggested that failure to achieve a 3SC devolution deal was a high risk to the council.  Members questioned whether there was still a significant risk to the county as a result of the deal not materialising. The Chief Executive explained that the council faced significant challenges with regards to infrastructure, and that these deficits in infrastructure were a major concern.  Devolution was considered the only credible option in order to achieve the levels of investment required.

3.    The Chief Executive informed the Board that the Risk Register had been reviewed this week, and that a Sub National Transport Body (SNTB) for the south east was being considered as an alternative route to infrastructure investment as a mitigation to the risk for the county of the devolution bid not progressing. 

4.    The Chief Executive explained that there was more than one level to consider with regards to Double Devolution, and that town and parish councils had a key role to play.  He indicated that workshops were being arranged across districts and boroughs to explain the approaches and benefits to joint working.  Members commented that they had not encountered any engagement to date within their town council roles.

5.    The Chief Executive explained that the 3SC devolution proposals were discussed between the authorities and central Government, whilst the Surrey Joint Working proposals were not dependent on government negotiations and could continue without waiting for the regional devolution deal.

6.    Members enquired what the key challenges were the 3SC deal needed to address.  The Chief Executive stated that infrastructure was a key issue.  He explained that billions of pounds needed to be invested in infrastructure across the 3SC network and that the deficits in this area put pressure on housing requirements, business development, congestion on the transport network and services becoming unreliable.  He stated that digital infrastructure in rural areas of the 3SC area was also lacking.  Furthermore, the Chief Executive explained that there was a key challenge around recruiting a workforce with the right level of skills required.

7.    Members enquired if there had been any discussions relating to the consideration of the Mayoral Combined Authority models.  The Chief Executive explained that some districts and boroughs had indicated that they would not consider an elected mayoral model, whilst others had indicated that they would wait and see what was on offer before they considered making the decision.  The Chief Executive informed the Board that whilst he was not advocating the mayoral model, it was worth noting that cities that had decided upon a mayoral model had been able to secure significant investment funding.  A Member reminded the Board that the mayoral referendum in Guildford was not successful, with four out of five voters voting against the proposal.

8.    The Chief Executive assured the Board that the work previously done towards the 3SC Devolution deal was still fundamental to the work required for the SNTB approach to be successful.  The work on infrastructure and transport systems in particular was considered to be valuable to the SNTB.

9.    Members noted some positive examples of successful joint working across the county.  All 11 boroughs and districts had been involved in the Surrey Family Support programme, identifying common ways of working in partnership with the County Council.  The Surrey Waste Partnership Waste Together programme was also highlighted as a success. 

10.  Members noted that devolution had not been on the forefront of central government’s agenda recently, and that government’s focus on the Industrial Strategy and Housing White Paper may instead be the way forward.  The Chief Executive explained that there could still be an opportunity for transport, housing and skills to be improved within the 3SC network.