Agenda item

It was moved by the Mayor, seconded by the Deputy Mayor and resolved that, under Standing Order No. 22 (e), Standing Order No. 23.4 be suspended for agenda item 6 “Membership of Combined Authorities and ratification of the Sheffield City Region Devolution Deal”, and that the mover of the report and the Leader of the Minority Group be allowed to speak for more than five minutes on this item.

The Chief Executive submitted a report asking members to consider options for the council’s membership of existing and proposed combined authorities, and the respective benefits of the different options for the communities of Chesterfield.

The report considered the potential benefits and risks of the two main options available to the Council of (i) becoming a full member of the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority (SCR CA) and joining the North Midlands Combined Authority, if established, as a non-constituent member, and of (ii) joining a North Midlands Combined Authority, if established, as a full member and continuing with non-constituent membership of the SCR CA.

It was noted that the major benefit to Chesterfield of the Sheffield City Region Devolution Deal was a share of £900 million over the next 30 years that would support the delivery of key regeneration projects, improve the skills of local people and help local businesses to become more competitive.

The Leader reiterated to Members that joining the SCR CA would not compromise Chesterfield Borough Council’s independence and existence as an independent authority, and was categorically not about taking Chesterfield out of Derbyshire and into South Yorkshire.

RESOLVED –

1.   That the October 2015 Sheffield City Region Devolution deal be ratified.

2.   That Chesterfield Borough Council applies to be a full constituent member of the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority in line with the statutory process.

3.   That Chesterfield Borough Council applies be a non-constituent member of a North Midlands Combined Authority if formed.

4.   That the actions to mitigate the risks of becoming a full member of the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority, as set out in section 6 of the Chief Executive’s report, be approved and implemented.

5.   That the Leader be delegated authority to take further steps that are necessary as part of the processes to put in place the above resolutions, subject to regular reports on progress being made to Cabinet and, where required, to Council.