Category Archives: Devolution

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27 Jan 2016

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Devolution, EDDC, Local Enterprise Partnership

Devolution: major decision due to be made by EDDC tomorrow

From the Save our Sidmouth blog:

“Key decisions about this region’s future, at EDDC special meeting at Knowle (Thursday, 28th January, 6.30pm).

Decisions made at tomorrow’s Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) are key to the future of East Devon, and the wider (‘Heart of the South West’) region.
Everyone living, working or visiting here, will be impacted by the District Council’s Local Plan, and by EDDC’s involvement in Devolution.

The Heart of the South West, HotSW, (Devolution) strategy is powered by the not-yet-built Hinckley Point nuclear power station, part-funded (one third) by China (Please see link to breaking news, on blog link below*.) The Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) of big businesses will be working in tandem with local authorities. Thursday’s meeting may approve delegated powers for Leader Paul Diviani, to represent EDDC for the Devolution bid to Government.
The meeting begins with public question time (maximum of 3 minutes per question).”

http://saveoursidmouth.com/2016/01/27/key-decisions-about-this-regions-future-at-eddc-special-meeting-at-knowle-thursday-28th-january-6-30pm/

The blog has links to background papers.

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27 Jan 2016

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Devolution, Local Enterprise Partnership

Hinckley Point nuclear power station – decision delayed by French investor

Our LEP is heavily betting on this project to boost “growth” – do they have a strategy for this delay?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-35415187

And maybe don’t (yet) go to one of the LEP seminars about all the wonderful things it is supposed to be bringing to us all.

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25 Jan 2016

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Devolution, Economy, EDDC, Local Enterprise Partnership

Can a devolved Devon deal with inequality?

In a recent article, Plymouth is cited as being one of the ten most deprived cities in England and described as “low wage, high welfare”; Exeter – the only other local city on the accompanying map – is described as “low wage, low welfare”:

http://gu.com/p/4g2gk

When power is in the hands of our Local Enterprise Partnership will their funds be targeted at Plymouth? It seems unlikely, as currently the LEP is most excited about, and most involved in, the commissioning of the Hinkley Point nuclear power plant.

How will the LEP ensure that funds are shared out equitably? It’s only criterion in promoting “economic growth” which is most easily done in those places already growing. How can it square its need to invest in areas primed for growth where returns will be quicker and higher (so that it can be seen to tick its own boxes) and those areas blighted by lack of growth, which will be slower and lower and so drag its performance targets down even if they do invest?

Add to this the fact that, in future, much more revenue will need to be raised by local authorities directly in their own areas (e.g. reliance on local business rate income rather than government funds) and low income, low growth areas will be even more worse off than affluent areas.

Perhaps a councillor or member of the local LEP can enlighten us? Oh no, wait, all devolution matters are being handled in secret and our LEP members are remarkably shy of making public appearances with their LEP hats on, so we can’t ask them face to face.

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8 Jan 2016

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Devolution, EDDC, Local Plan

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All you need is trust, says Diviani

Chairing Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting at Knowle (6 Jan 2016), the Leader was in ebullient mood, announcing that the Local Plan is likely to be adopted quite soon, and that Lidl is now taking what was to be Sainsbury distribution site on the so-called ‘intermodal hub’, creating 450 new jobs. It was not specified how many of the jobs would be well-paid.

He was still upbeat, when Cllr Ian Thomas (Con) emphasised the financial risks threatening EDDC’s Budget, and that in the coming years, the relationship with the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) would be crucial.

Cllr Phil Twiss agreed that you “can’t underestimate the impact of Devolution,” as he’d learned from the counterparts from northern powerhouse councils, whom he’d recently met at Warwick Business School. “There was much uncertainty”, he said.

The leader had the solution. “The most important thing you need is trust” he told his Cabinet colleagues – adding jocularly, “We don’t trust the government, and they don’t trust us”.

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30 Dec 2015

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Devolution, EDDC, Hugo Swire, Knowle/Honiton/Exmouth relocation, Transparency

One post office box, two mobiles, an 0300 number and a “promise” ….

This page of last week’s Sidmouth Herald is SO entertaining!

image

Swire says we shouldn’t be worried that devolution deals are being done behind closed doors and that power is being devolved from politicians in Whitehall.

But he neglects to say that it is being devolved to … er … a bunch of anonymous, unelected businessmen in … er … well, they have a post office box number in Exeter, two mobile phone numbers and an 0300 numbers on their contact us webpage:

http://www.heartofswlep.co.uk/contact-us

so they could be anywhere!  Running their businesses, perhaps …..

and as a bonus we get a” Buy one, get one free” offer from Diviani promising us those missing relocation documents (the ones he was ordered to produce last May) ” soon”. Was the “Sale, amazing offers” advert a coincidence or a subliminal message to us all?

BOGOF indeed.

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30 Dec 2015

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DCC, Devolution, EDDC, Local Enterprise Partnership, Somerset County Council

Devolution problems for dummies

“Devolution: the moving of power or a responsibility in a main organisation to a lower level or from a central government to local government”

http://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/devolution

WHAT IT DOES NOT MEAN:

The moving of power from an elected body of councillors to an unelected small group of business people (Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership) who have their own agendas and pecuniary interests and who are untransparently unaccountable to no-one.

And all being done in secret with no public consultation.

Anyone not understand why people might be critical of this?

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30 Dec 2015

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Claire Wright, DCC, Devolution, EDDC, Hugo Swire

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Claire Wright asks: ” Why is Mr Swire angry over devolution criticisms?”

I see that Mr Swire has been publicly critical of those of us who have expressed concerns about devolution.

Devolution is essentially the transfer of some government responsibilities to local councils.

I am not opposed to the principle of devolution, however, Chancellor, George Osborne has strong-armed councils into taking on these extra responsibilities, which gives me a cause for considerable scepticism.

A group of councils in Devon and Somerset, as well as the NHS and businesses are currently negotiating a deal to be put to ministers for devolved powers.

As Devon County Council prepares to shave off nearly £40m again, from its budgets in a few weeks, thanks to austerity measures, it will be even less well equipped than before to provide vital services.

But now Local Enterprise Partnerships (run by largely by business people) must take a leading role in preparing a bid to government for devolved powers. Ministers have insisted that bids must be business focused.

At the Devon County Council meeting in December, councillors voted in favour of my motion to allow public consultation on the bid. Although, from Mr Swire’s recent opinion, one might be forgiven for thinking that this was a Conservative proposal!

East Devon District Council Independents (especially the East Devon Alliance councillors) have been very proactive in raising concerns about plans, which up until now have been extraordinarily vague and tricky to get to grips with.

From what I have seen however, the bids will be very big business focused. And politically conservative, with a huge emphasis on the importance of Hinkley Point for example … while renewable energy, which has been a thriving industry in the south west – or at least it will be until the 64 per cent subsidy cut hits in a few weeks, doesn’t appear to get a look in.

Mr Swire might not like Independents expressing opposing views to government policy (has he ever voted against the party line?) but I tend to take the view that councillors (and MPs) are here to represent constituents, not to protect corporate interests or nod in sage agreement with every ministerial announcement.

I have raised many important issues in many of my columns in this newspaper and invited Mr Swire’s to respond.

He appears to favour silence, however.

Here’s the article – http://www.exeterexpressandecho.co.uk/Comment-renewable-energy-sidelined-devolution/story-28436976-detail/story.html

http://www.claire-wright.org/index.php/post/why_is_mr_swire_angry_over_devolution_criticisms

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29 Dec 2015

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Devolution, EDDC, Local Enterprise Partnership, Transparency

East Devon Alliance on devolution bid secrecy

“A district council decision to discuss a ‘multi-billion-pound’ transfer of cash and powers to the South West in private has been branded ‘disgraceful’ by the independent East Devon Alliance (EDA). … ”

http://www.sidmouthherald.co.uk/news/council_s_devolution_talks_criticised_1_4356888

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24 Dec 2015

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Devolution, Local Enterprise Partnership

Group which may eventually run Devon and Somerset is not representative

Lack of women on enterprise board – Letter to Sidmouth Journal 10 Dec 2015

“Many of you may not be aware that there is a move for Devon and Somerset county councils, Torbay and Plymouth to work together to bid for devolved powers.

The bid is being run by something called the South West Local Enterprise Partnership, which has set itself the task of determining the future of the two counties for the next generation.

So who is on the board of this partnership and how representative of the people are the members? Of the 21 board members, three, yes, only three, are women. Even the boards in the City of London aspire to 33 per cent female membership, double that.

However, the following are well represented: the defence industry; consultants; further education and, of course, property consultants. There is no representation from agriculture, the countryside or from our diverse heritage, which is the very essence of Devon and Somerset.

One also wonders how many of the board were born in the two counties and also at the lack of any representation from ethnic minorities.

DR NICOLA DANIEL
Via email.”

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24 Dec 2015

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Devolution, EDDC

East Devon Alliance criticises secret devolution talks

DEVOLUTION TALKS CRITICISED Journal 24 Dec 2015
By Harvey Gavin : harveygavin@archant.co.uk

“A district council decision to discuss a `multi-billion-pound’ transfer of cash and powers to the South West in private has been branded ‘disgraceful’ by the independent East Devon Alliance (EDA).

The Heart of the South West (HOTSW) devolution deal could eventually see East Devon District Council (EDDC) and 16 other local authorities in Devon and Somerset gain more independence from Whitehall.

Supporters say that power over spending on things like growth, infrastructure and health and social care would boost the region’s economy and help create 163,000 new jobs by 2030.n

But critics have raised concerns over a lack of public consultation and that the project could end up ‘devolving powers to big businesses’.

EDDC convened last week to consider the latest draft of the bid.

The item was heard after the press and public had been excluded from the meeting.

The council says that, although the exact details of the bid are confidential at the moment, it is committed to keeping members fully informed through the process.

But the EDA has condemned the way EDDC handled the discussions.

Its chairman, Paul Arnott, said: “It is unacceptable that councillors of any party are only being provided with information on this multi-billion-pound devolution proposal after insistently demanding it from the council clique.
“Then, when it does arrive, its platitudes and unevidenced waffle are marked `confidential’, which misnomer is then used later to close down public debate on grounds of ‘confidentiality’.

“[Last week’s] handling of this matter was disgraceful – an insult to the free press and the council tax payers alike.”

An EDDC spokeswoman said: “Despite the confidential nature of discussions surrounding the devolution deal, we are committed to ensuring that councillors are kept fully informed as the bid goes through further development.

“In January 2016, another draft of the proposal document will be produced and then agreed among the 20 organisations (including 17 local authorities) who are working in partnership in response to the Government’s offer to devolve power and budgets from Westminster to local authorities.”

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17 Dec 2015

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Democracy, Devolution, East Devon Tories, EDDC, Exmouth, Moirai Exmouth project, Phil Twiss, Richard Cohen, Rural communications, Spin, Transparency

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“As a young person of Exmouth, I feel misled and horrified …”

image

So said the Exmouth College student who questioned EDDC leaders last night (16 Dec,2015), about the process behind the seafront development proposals in her town. But Deputy CEO Richard Cohen’s answer skirted around her main point (“I feel misled”), in a Full Council meeting that showed EDDC manipulative management at its very worst.

Blind block-voting without debate; and a Chair who allowed 5 serious questions from Exmouth residents to be rolled into one by the responding officer, thus enabling central points made by the speakers to be glossed over or, (as with the offer by Louise McAllister, specialist in surveys, to meet EDDC), simply ignored.

Not a single question was asked by any Majority Party councillor: only one of the 9 questions put, all from Independents, had a satisfactory answer (given thoroughly by Environment Portfolio holder, Cllr Iain Chubb).

Corporate Services portfolio holder, Cllr Phil Twiss, was unavailable to answer embarrassing questions about broadband, leaving Cllr Ian Thomas apologetically unable to provide informed replies.

The meeting reached a crescendo of ‘confidentiality’, when the critical information needed by councillors before deciding whether to give Leader Paul Diviani ‘delegated powers’ regarding the multi-million pound Heart of the South West (HotSW) devolution bid, was declared (without debate) too sensitive for press and public. So the devolution item was dealt with in private, at the end of the session.

Just a few minutes into this part of the agenda, the Chair, Cllr Stuart Hughes, closed the meeting, somewhat prematurely perhaps. There had been no discussion by councillors, and the whole point of this session had been missed: there was no vote on delegated powers for the Leader.

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17 Dec 2015

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Devolution, East Devon Tories, EDDC, Transparency

Devolution: our fate decided in secret

Upgraded from comment to post:

What a pity that press and public were excluded from the Devolution debate at this evening’s Council meeting. This way of behaving by the majority Party really leads one to assume something nefarious is going on. Why oh why can’t the Tories have the courage to debate things openly? If they have to muzzle press comment and keep their electorate in ignorance of what they are deciding, is it any wonder that we doubt them?

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9 Dec 2015

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DCC, Devolution, EDDC, Local Enterprise Partnership

Councillors: are you sure our LEP and your council are operating properly?

If not, read this:

Click to access bis-14-1241-local-enterprise-partnership-LEP-national-assurance-framework.pdf

Just a couple of examples:

the LEP and councils should:

…. publish their arrangements for making, and recording decisions, and for ensuring that papers, decisions, minutes, agendas etc are published in line with existing local authority rules and regulations [access to information, Schedule 12A of the LGA 1972, as amended by the FOI 2000];

and they should:

….. ensure that there is appropriate local engagement – both with public and private stakeholders to inform key decisions and with the general public around future LEP strategy development, and progress against delivery of the SEP, including key projects and spend against those;

Juicy judicial review material!

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9 Dec 2015

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DCC, Democracy, Devolution, East Devon Alliance, EDDC, Transparency

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Devolution: Independent DCC Councillor Claire Wright and East Devon Alliance express grave concerns on the process

Councils across Devon and Somerset are on the verge of submitting a bid to government on devolving control and funding for some services to a local level.

On Thursday Devon County Council will debate a broadbrush bid that is set to be signed off by cabinet tomorrow.

This might sound like a very positive move, however, there are concerns. Mainly around transparency and consultation.

The government has decreed that the process must be “business led” which means that the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has been heavily involved in discussions on what will be included in the bid to central government.

The LEP meets in private and does not publish its minutes or agendas.

Councillors have not been involved in the process, save for the forthcoming agenda item coming to full council on Thursday.

There has been no public consultation.

In the paper that goes to full council on Thursday, the list of topics to be included in the bid are:

– Health, care and wellbeing
– Connectivity and resilience
– Housing and planning
– Employment and skills
– Business support

What is always true in my experience is that the devil is in the detail.

The bid must be with central government by 18 December.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Here’s a press release from the East Devon Alliance, which is also unhappy about the process.

• To most people ‘devolution’ implies greater local involvement: local democratic power

• The process being followed for the ‘Heart of the South West’ devolution bid has no democratic element at all:

o No public consultation

 Input has been sought from the business community but not the public or elected representatives

o No consultation with elected Councillors regarding the process or on the content of the bid

 The information submitted so far has the logos of the Councils and implies endorsement that has not been explicitly sought or given

 Nolan Principles not followed

o It has been suggested that government guidance is to keep devolution planning confidential

o The Heart of the South West LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership) meetings, including those on the devolution bid, are not open to the public or press; agendas and minutes are not published

o The Electoral Reform Society are concerned about the lack of democracy and public engagement in the devolution process of England

http://www.electoral-reform.org.uk/press-releases
• Timing is extremely tight, the final ‘bid’ is due to be submitted on Dec 18th with a deal expected to be agreed with central government in March 2016

• EDDC Joint Overview and Scrutiny committee and Cabinet on Dec 2nd are being asked to give delegated authority to the Leader to sign off on the bid – the draft of which has not been shown to Councillors

o EDDC full Council have not and will not get to debate the bid (or the benefits and risks of the proposal)

o Information suggests that this situation is being repeated in Devon County Council with limited information or opportunity for debate

• Past history of unelected bodies delivering services and economic benefits does not bode well: East Devon Business Forum

Click to access scaring-the-living-daylights-final.pdf

and Connecting Devon and Somerset (broadband)
https://eastdevonwatch.org/2015/11/23/broadband-for-devon-and-somerset-the-fantasy-saga-continues/

• EDA calls for:

o The Heart of the South West devolution planning process to be more open and democratic from now on

o The public and elected representatives to be regularly consulted

o Decisions involving the use of public funds (e.g. business rate revenue) to be made in public by accountable, elected representatives

http://www.claire-wright.org/index.php/post/devolution_more_locally_funded_services_or_a_deal_largely_struck_in_secret

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8 Dec 2015

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Devolution

Devolution: South Devon has major concerns

A correspondent in South Devon writes ( the views expressed are his or her own). The final paragraph and citation makes for particularly worrying reading for East Devon where, despite much opposition, we treasure our environment.

South Devonians have grave concerns about devolution to big business.

In South Devon we read your article with interest. We are also interested in the operations of the LEP and how they appear to be run by big business with much benefit and profits advantage for big business.

It seems to work like this……

A nice organisation that most people love like eg a large charity, colleges, universities etc wish for more money to fund pet projects. “Mr Big Developers” who makes loads of money from building open-market houses, expensive apartments, roads, nuclear power stations etc, are very unpopular locally. Most people support schemes for families on low income and the homeless.

So the Local Enterprise Partnerships broker schemes where the “nice organisation” gets the money for their pet project by partnering it with a “big developer” and with district & county council executives & LEP members ….. the general public and parish councils are usually kept in the dark about these arrangements, which they classify as “commercially confidential”.

They often justify the scheme as delivering affordable houses but the scheme does little to make truly affordable houses and nothing for the homeless, local people are ignored or overruled.

Local democracy in action…. No …. money for big business, and its friends …. Yes

These may also be of interest:

http://www.heartofswlep.co.uk/
The small print at the bottom is interesting where they mention things like their involvement with building 11,000 houses on the back of business support.

I have just come across some documents that show they now partner with organisations like Natural England and Dartmoor National Park and The enviroment Agency. http://www.lepnetwork.net/key-activities/natural-environment/

and a great one where:

“Purpose of report

This report identifies the key opportunities from and threats to the economic plans of the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) which stem from the economy’s dependence on the environment.”

http://www.naturaldevon.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Local-Environment-and-Economic-Development-toolkit-report-%E2%80%93-Heart-of-the-South-West-LEP-a

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5 Dec 2015

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Devolution, EDDC

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That Devolution meeting part 2: the dark gets darker

Mark Williams, CEO of East Devon District Council, was given a rough ride by majority and opposition Party Councillors alike, following his presentation this week (Weds 2nd Dec), to the District Council’s two watchdog committees.

The combined Overview and Scrutiny Committees (O&S) met to find out what lies at the heart of the Heart of the South West (HOTSW) devolution bid, shortly to be sent to Westminster.

Mr Williams compared the devolution bid to a train just starting on its journey from the heart of South West to London. But one Tory Councillor warned the CEO, “Before we get to Exeter, the lines may be broken because we’ll have run out of money”.

(There’s a summary of the presentation in our earlier post https://eastdevonwatch.org/2015/12/03/devolution-eddc-ceo-asks-us-to-trust-him-and-diviani/ )

After hearing it, the O&S Councillors expressed three areas of major concern:

1. Finance
2. Health service provision
3. Governance

Here is a sample of their questions to Mark Williams (MW) with some answers received:

Cllr Roger Giles (Ind, Ottery St Mary Town : Has any attempt been made to assess the cost savings of devolution?
MW : “No. It’s too early.” He went on to add, “We all know there is waste in (any) system” and “It’s better to have shared outcomes for a hope of savings.”

RG: “Has there been any estimate of officer time?”
MW: “No.”

Cllr Alison Greenhalgh (Con, Exmouth Littleham) “How do we make a decision about governance?“

MW replied that he thinks the bid will be for a combined authority, though “the Government will struggle to understand” why a mayor is not appropriate for this region.

Cllr Marianne Rixson (IEDA, Sidmouth,Sidford ), referring to other enterprise zones asked, “ What’s the certainty of us being successful against bids from elsewhere?”

MW: HOTSW “can operate independently from enterprise zones.”

MR also wanted to know “how financially viable are the councils involved?”

MW referred the point to Ian Baker, of the South West Audit Partnership (SWAP), who confirmed that at a recent seminar attended by Cllr Rixson, a representative of external auditors Grant Thornton had warned that SOME councils are due to go bust by 2020.

Cllr Peter Faithfull (INdependent, Ottery St Mary Town) made the point that Councillors are “still largely in the dark”. “Can we have an independent observer, to understand what’s going on in (HOTSW) meetings?” We only get feedback AFTERWARDS, he said.

MW: There is “no need” to have an impartial report.
RG: Can the public attend?
MW: No. They are private meetings.

Cllr Mike Allen (Con, Honiton St Michael’s) had a barrage of questions: “Where is the money going to come from for business support?” How would the retraining of older people work? “How will infrastructure for planning issues get financed?” “Where is the money going to come from, for example, for schools?”

MW: There is money, but it gets lost in the system.

Matt Booth (Ind, Sidmouth Town ) asked “How much of health service will be outsourced to private businesses?” and wondered what would be the knock-on effect on health services already facing further cuts. He also wanted to know “Where do Neighbourhood Plans fit into the HOTSW devolution bid, in terms of protecting areas?”

MW : “Neighbourhood Plans (NPs) will continue irrespective.” But he was not sure that those preparing the NPs “would see the opportunity of tapping into growth possibilities”.

Cllr Ben Ingham( IEDA, Woodbury &Lympstone), citing the “complete lack of control in recent years regarding health care”, said that HOTSW’s 5 year view for ‘health & wellbeing’, is “just pie in the sky”. “We are being given an option we know nothing about”, he continued. “Are we being given a hospital pass?”

MW replied that Manchester, for example, has received invitations to develop a plan for integrating health and social care. And Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCG) have been present at two HOTSW meetings, although “I don’t think they were committing themselves,” he mentioned….. leaving some people wondering, if CCG were not cooperative, would this kill the bid?

(More to follow…)

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3 Dec 2015

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Devolution, EDDC, Mark Williams CEO EDDC

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Devolution: EDDC CEO asks us to trust him and Diviani … …

Before reading the report below, does anyone recall Kaa the Snake singing “Trussssst in me” to Mowgli in Jungle Book?  Lyrics:

“Trust in me, just in me, Shut your eyes and trust in me, You can sleep safe and sound, Knowing I am around
Slip into silent slumber, Sail on a silver mist, Slowly and surely your senses, Will cease to resist
Trust in me, just in me, Shut your eyes and trust in me.”

th

The whole song is here on You Tube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1ILPl5FQaM

From a correspondent:

“This afternoon, EDDC Chief Executive, Mark Williams, gave a presentation on Devolution to a special session of the Combined Overview & Scrutiny Committees. The meeting, was apparently at the request of Cllr Roger Giles, who chaired the meeting, held at Knowle Council Chamber, Sidmouth.

Mr Williams introduced the Heart of the South West devolution bid, by using the analogy of a train journey just beginning. We are still “on a single track towards Exeter”, en route for London. The government had “opened conversations” about devolution, and the Heart of the South West (HOSW) is currently being led by Devon County, Somerset County, Plymouth City and Torbay.

“We shouldn’t kid ourselves” about what a low productivity region this is, the CEO cautioned, and listed the following key areas devolution would focus on:

1.Health,care & wellbeing ……Devon County is taking the lead, but EDDC says more can be done in e.g.housing & leisure.

2.Housing & Planning…..Constraints to attracting more businesses include the lack of readily available appropriate land; inadequacy of the A 303; Western Power supply constraints; and the issues around rural broadband. The “challenge of the lack of affordable housing” had to be tackled.

3.Employment & skills…Aim is to reduce to zero (‘Not in Education or Employment’) NEETs in the area. On-going career opportunities needed, with the increasing instability in the workplace.

4.Business support…..There should be more, and with better co-ordination. Aim to look for alternative, more lucrative, businesses than tourism & the care industries.

5.Governance ..Options might be e.g. elected mayor? Combined authority? EDDC favours Place Based Boards with local focus, such as Greater Exeter & Growth Point.

In conclusion, Mr Williams explained the devolution bid as “Our ask”. EDDC wants to work in partnerships, with Exeter, Teignbridge, Devon County Council & Exeter University. Meetings are held at the Science Park, seeking innovation and more investment. The ambition is for Exeter to become a centre for data sciences and analytics, with the possibility of a new Exeter Institute of Technology.

Some “golden opportunities” would be in marine-based developments (Plymouth);nuclear energy (from Chinese-funded power station proposed for Hinkley Point, and Bridgewater College now centre for nuclear studies); and environmental futures (e.g. the Met Office, Exeter Science Park).

A 30- year strategic labour & employment plan would be presented to central government, emphasising resilience of infrastructure, and resilience of “a population that is productive”.

A draft paper will be issued on Monday, said Mr Williams, and he “would be happy to circulate it to (Council) members”. He predicted that it probably “won’t depart from this presentation” .

Admitting that the time pressure to get the bid submitted meant that there was no possibility of “forensic scrutiny” , he acknowledged that had caused some frustration.

“There is no secrecy,” he declared. “And someone has to take responsibility”. That “someone”, recommended for HOTSW delegated powers in Mr Williams’ report, would be EDDC Leader, Paul Diviani.

In the ensuing debate, questions from councillors came thick and fast, asking for much more detail, particularly on the financial basis of the devolution bid. And Councillor Rob Longhurst (East Devon Alliance Independent ) told his colleagues “ I don’t think we should be asked to authorise someone to sign a document that we haven’t seen.”

“It’s a matter of trust”, retorted a Conservative colleague, hitting the nail squarely on the head.

(Report of the meeting to be continued…)

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1 Dec 2015

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DCC, Devolution, EDDC, Somerset County Council

Conflicting views on Devon/Somerset devolution

Tories gung-ho on the prospect of East Devon being am ” economic powerhouse”

“An EDDC spokesperson said: “If a successful bid is negotiated with the Government, then it is likely that the strategic importance of East Devon as a prime location for growth, jobs and housing will be recognised and we will see more investment into our local economy.”

Indie more cautious:

“Councillor Matt Booth has urged caution on rushing into any deal. The independent ward member for Sidmouth Town told the Herald: “It’s a huge ask and a huge task – it has to fit in with the financial plans of 16 other local authorities.

“I’m not for it. I think that it is just another way for central government to wash its hands of its responsibilities.

“If central government did its job properly, there wouldn’t be any need for devolution.

“But if we do go ahead, then as councillors we need to find a way to keep the process open and a way to bring it back to members.”

http://www.sidmouthherald.co.uk/news/economic_powerhouse_promise_of_devolution_1_4326893

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1 Dec 2015

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DCC, Devolution, EDDC

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EDDC special meeting on devolution tomorrow (Wednesday) at 3 pm

Thanks to Martin Shaw of Seaton Matters for this important information. Why schedule it for a time when many people will, of necessity, be at work?

“Our county and district councils are steaming ahead with proposals for devolution in the daftly named ‘Heart of the South West’ (that’s Devon and Somerset to you and me) to be agreed on 18 December and then submitted to Government. They hope it will all be done and dusted by March. Apart from an odd piece in the local press, what do most people know about this? I’d always thought that ‘devolution’ was about more democracy, not less.

On

Wednesday 2nd December, at 3pm,

EDDC has scheduled a special extra meeting of Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee, the sole opportunity for the press and public to be present at a devolution discussion.

This will prepare the ground for the Cabinet Committee at 5.30pm when EDDC Leader’s delegated powers for ‘Heart of the South West’ are expected to be pushed through.
http://seatonmatters.org/2015/11/30/sw-devolution-when-do-we-have-our-say/

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29 Nov 2015

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Devolution, Local Enterprise Partnership

Devon and Somerset Devolution: done deal by March 2016?

According to this document (page 15) the full bid is going in on 18 December 2015 (always a popular day to bury bad news or controversial planning applications!) and provided all goes smoothly ( as it no doubt will) it will be done and dusted by March 2016:

http://www.mendip.gov.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=11322&p=0

Er, what is Mark Williams being delegated to do between now and 18 December and now and March 2016?