Agenda item - A County Deal for Surrey

This report outlines how partners and key stakeholders have been actively engaged in the development stage of the County Deal and goes into further detail about the core set of proposals being recommended for inclusion in the County Deal for Surrey. In addition, it outlines the intentions to take these proposals forward for negotiation with Government subject to when the council is formally asked to begin discussions with government.

(The decisions on this item can be called-in by the Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee)

RESOLVED:

1. That Cabinet note the leading role the council has taken to engage with partners and key stakeholders to develop initial draft proposals for negotiation with Government on a County Deal for Surrey.

2. That Cabinet approve the initial draft core set of proposals for negotiation with Government for inclusion in a County Deal for Surrey, that have been developed in line with Level 2 of the Government’s Levelling Up Devolution Framework.

3. That Cabinet endorse the approach to begin preparations for the integration of Surrey-wide LEP functions into a County Deal, subject to the outcome of negotiations with Government

4. That Cabinet endorse the approach to begin exploring appropriate governance arrangements for each of the “core” proposals in collaboration with the relevant Surrey’s strategic partnership boards and other relevant key stakeholders.

5. That Cabinet approve the approach to negotiations with Government, noting that the initial draft proposals are likely to be subject to change during negotiations and that any final County Deal for Surrey deal will be brought to Cabinet and Full Council for approval.

Reasons for Decisions:

The Government’s Levelling Up White Paper presents a rare opportunity for the council to pursue a devolution deal for Surrey that will bring new powers, freedoms and flexibilities, better enabling the council to deliver for residents against the 2030 Community Vision, the council’s four strategic priorities (Growing a sustainable economy; Tackling health inequality; Enabling a greener future; and Empowering communities), and work towards the overarching ambition of No One Left Behind.

(The decisions on this item can be called-in by the Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee)

The report was introduced by the Leader who stated that the new Prime Minister had already made an ongoing commitment to continue with the levelling up programme. The Leader provided the Cabinet with someone background into the county deal programme explaining that there were three levels of the deal an authority could apply for. Discussions had taken place with partners and presentations had been given to each of the district and boroughs with a request for them to put forward any requests they would like to see in the submission to government. No comments had been received yet but the Leader encouraged the district and boroughs to submit feedback. Both the Levelling Up White Paper and LEP integration guidance letter signalled a new direction and set out the steps the council would need to follow in order to take on LEP functions and roles, ensuring a strong business voice remains at the heart of decision making. The county had put forward a request to be appointed as the climate change lead authority.

The Deputy Cabinet Member for Levelling-Up welcomed the progress made on the Council's plans to secure a county deal for Surrey explaining that securing such additional powers would better enable us and our partners to deliver on our ultimate ambition that no one is left behind. She further added that it was positive to see the level of engagement that had already happened across the county with key local partners on the opportunities a deal could bring. The Executive Director for Partnerships, Prosperity and Growth and his team were thanked for all the work they had done around the county deal proposals. This was endorsed by the Leader.

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities and Community Safety recognised the structures that had been put in place in anticipation of the powers coming through. Will Forster urged the county council to work with the district and boroughs to submit a joint county deal proposal. The Leader restated that he had visited all the district and boroughs and welcomed the input from each. There had been an understanding that a paper would be taken to Cabinet in October and the Cabinet welcomed feedback on proposals from each of the district and boroughs. There was a short discussion around the possibility of using the UK prosperity fund alongside Section 106 funding which was welcomed by the Leader.