Decision details

Pursuant to Cabinet Minute No.179 the Chief Executive, Executive Director and the Development and Growth Manager submitted a report on the proposed creation of a Combined Authority for Derby and Derbyshire in accordance with the provisions of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009.

It was recommended that Chesterfield Borough Council become a full constituent member of the proposed Derby and Derbyshire Combined Authority, subject to the outcomes of the statutory consultation and contingent on Chesterfield Borough Council being able to participate fully in both the Derby and Derbyshire (D2) and Sheffield City Region (SCR) Combined Authorities.

It was anticipated that the proposed Combined Authority would enable the Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire (D2N2) LEP to attract further devolved funding from central government with more local determination of priorities and alignment of resources.

Due to Chesterfield’s functioning economic geography, looking both to Sheffield and the Midlands, it was considered that the needs and the aspirations of Chesterfield’s residents and businesses were best served by the Council’s full participation in both Combined Authorities.

The Leader reaffirmed to Members that joining the new D2 Combined Authority would not compromise Chesterfield Borough Council’s independence and existence as an independent authority, and was not about the creation of a unitary authority for Derbyshire.

RESOLVED –

1.    That Council endorses the outcome of the Review exercise undertaken pursuant to section 108 of the Local Democracy Economic Development and Construction Act 2009, that a Combined Authority be created for Derby and Derbyshire.

2.    That Chesterfield Borough Council becomes a full constituent member of the proposed Derby and Derbyshire Combined Authority; this approval being subject to the outcomes of the statutory consultation process and contingent on Chesterfield Borough Council continuing to be able to participate fully in both the Derby and Derbyshire and Sheffield City Region Combined Authorities.

3.    That Council supports the submission of the Scheme Document seeking the creation of a Combined Authority for Derby and Derbyshire to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.