Minute No. 382 (Cabinet Agenda Item No. 11).

Called-in by Councillors Cox and Davidson.

The Committee considered Minute 382 of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 15 September 2020, which had been called in to the Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee, together with a report of the Chief Executive providing a general update on the Association of South Essex Local Authorities (ASELA), as well as wider developments including the establishment of the new ASELA and Local Government Reform Working Party.

At the request of the Committee, the Leader of the Council agreed that a link to the publication of minutes of meetings of ASLEA be provided to all councillors on an ongoing basis, that such minutes be received by the new Working Party as a standing item and that options to enable the minutes to be available for scrutiny be considered.

Resolved:

That the following decisions of the Cabinet be noted:

“1. That updates provided in the submitted report be noted, in particular that the ASELA prospectus has now been submitted to the government and the stated position of Essex County Council in relation to Local Government Reform (LGR).

2. That the ongoing programme of work to explore and develop local government reform options with neighbouring councils, be supported.

3. That it be noted that specialist advice will continue to be obtained, under officer delegations and within approved budgets, to support the exploration of options, assess and validate data and help ensure the best outcomes for Southend-on-Sea.”

Note: This is an Executive Function

Cabinet Member: Councillor I Gilbert

Report of Chief Executive – to follow

The Cabinet considered a report of the Chief Executive providing a general update on ASELA, as well as wider developments including the establishment of an ASELA and Local Government Reform Working Party.

Resolved:-

1.    That updates provided in the submitted report be noted, in particular that  the ASELA prospectus has now been submitted to the government and the stated position of Essex County Council in relation to Local Government Reform (LGR).

2.    That the ongoing programme of work to explore and develop local government reform options with neighbouring councils, be supported.

3.    That it be noted that specialist advice will continue to be obtained, under officer delegations and within approved budgets, to support the exploration of options, assess and validate data and help ensure the best outcomes for Southend-on-Sea

Reasons for decision:

To note the update on ASELA, the position of the ASLEA/LGR Working Party and the appropriate next steps in supporting the on-going programme of work to explore and develop local government reform options.

Other options:

Do nothing – this option is not recommended because it is clear that both government and subsequently Essex County Council are proposing significant changes to local government across England, including Essex. It is, therefore, incumbent upon the Council to develop proposals that provide the best possible outcome for Southend’s residents while satisfying the government’s criteria.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee

Executive Member: Cllr Gilbert

The Cabinet considered a report of the Chief Executive providing a general update on ASELA, as well as wider developments including the establishment of an ASELA and Local Government Reform Working Party.

Resolved:-

1.    That updates provided in the submitted report be noted, in particular that  the ASELA prospectus has now been submitted to the government and the stated position of Essex County Council in relation to Local Government Reform (LGR).

2.    That the ongoing programme of work to explore and develop local government reform options with neighbouring councils, be supported.

3.    That it be noted that specialist advice will continue to be obtained, under officer delegations and within approved budgets, to support the exploration of options, assess and validate data and help ensure the best outcomes for Southend-on-Sea

Reasons for decision:

To note the update on ASELA, the position of the ASLEA/LGR Working Party and the appropriate next steps in supporting the on-going programme of work to explore and develop local government reform options.

Other options:

Do nothing – this option is not recommended because it is clear that both government and subsequently Essex County Council are proposing significant changes to local government across England, including Essex. It is, therefore, incumbent upon the Council to develop proposals that provide the best possible outcome for Southend’s residents while satisfying the government’s criteria.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Called-in to: Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee

Executive Member: Cllr Gilbert