The report quoted in the post below is here:
It is a thorough and far-reaching document which most councillors should have read BEFORE they made decisions.
It makes the point that much has not been done and makes these points about what needs to be done:
WHAT ALL AREAS CAN DO RIGHT NOW
Consider at what stage in the devolution process they currently stand; Evaluate and reassert what outcomes devolution will deliver to the area;
Agree on what characteristics / principles good governance will need to embody in order to achieve these outcomes;
Check whether effective governance systems are in place that meet those characteristics
– whether those systems are transitional (to manage the process of negotiation and design) or permanent (intended to apply when devolution deals are fully in place);
Ensure that strong data and information sharing – essentially, arrangements for meaningful transparency – is in place to support governance;
Ensure that governance builds in opportunities for meaningful accountability and for the transmission of views and opinions between those in the wider public sphere, and decision-makers.
East Devon Watch 