Issue - decisions
ASELA
22/07/2020 - Report from the Association of South Essex Local Authorities (ASELA)
The Cabinet considered a report of the Chief Executive presenting a report from the Association of South Essex Local Authorities (ASELA) providing an update on progressing the economic agenda for the South Essex region.
Resolved:
The Cabinet fully supports a collaboration with South Essex Authorities to deliver regeneration across South Essex and
1. Notes ASELA’s intention to immediately engage with Central Government ahead of the autumn Spending Review, regarding the economic agenda for the South Essex region, how it can deliver new jobs, new transport infrastructure, new homes and better outcomes for its existing and new residents and businesses (as set out in the ‘Growth and Recovery Prospectus 2020’ at Enclosure No. 2) as a starting point for those negotiations;
2. Rejects the conclusion of the ‘Review of Governance in South Essex’ (Enclosure No. 3) and confirms that this Cabinet opposes a directly elected mayoral form of governance, or any form of governance that diminishes the powers of the Southend-on-Sea Borough Council as a unitary authority and the largest conurbation in Essex;
3. Is prepared to discuss with Government and the Districts/Boroughs of Basildon, Brentwood, Castle Point, Rochford and Thurrock, the formulation for South Essex of a joint arrangement to deal with a defined number of cross boundary and strategic matters. Such arrangement to be made up of elected members of the constituent local authorities, supported as appropriate by representatives of the local LEP and other relevant stakeholders, under terms of reference to be agreed by those local authorities; and
4. Notes that a further report will be presented later in the calendar year to provide an update on the outcome of the negotiations with Central Government.
Reasons for recommendation:
To provide an update on progress.
Other options:
To note the ASELA update report without any comments.
Note: This is an Executive Function
Any future significant decisions regarding governance/joint working would constitute a Council function.
Referred direct to Special Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee
Cabinet Member: Cllr Gilbert