Agenda item

1.    Mr Gough explained that Kent County Council had applied to join the devolution priority programme, a decision was expected soon. The council was expecting two announcements: whether KCC and Medway had been accepted onto the Devolution Priority Programme (DPP) and setting out parameters on local government reorganisation. If accepted it would lead to the establishment of a Mayoral Strategic Authority (MSA) and local government reorganisation. A web page had been set up to give details about devolution.

2.    Amanda Beer, Chief Executive Officer of KCC, acknowledged the impact of the uncertainty for staff across KCC so noting that once a decision was received from the government there would be more information about timelines and the work of setting up the MSA and Local Government Reorganisation.

3.    In response to comments and question from Members it was said:

4.    Mr Jeffrey assured Members that training would be provided for devolution and local government reorganisation, there was a desire to extend this to district councils and Medway Council.

5.    A Member raised the importance of Members being kept up to date and given the opportunity to scrutinise the process. Mr Jeffreys explained that the General Counsel was to write to parish councils to ensure they were fully informed of the process. Mr Gough added that if Kent was to be successful in the bid for devolution, structures would be established to ensure there was engagement. On the topic of parish councils Mr Gough had met with KALC, within those conversations there was a genuine desire for transparency.

6.    A Member questioned whether under LGR KCC’s powers would go to unitary authority not to combined authorities. Mr Gough explained that most of the powers would go to the unitary authority. There would be areas at the strategic level that would go to the MSA, emphasising that the MSA would not just be one individual, but would bring together the Mayor and the unitary councils.  In any case, it would have to remain a strategic body..

7.    A Member believed that the Council must remain business as usual, emphasising the importance of governance and finance. Mr Gough noted that this was hugely complex, there was a large responsibility on KCC to deliver a sound budget and deliver services. There would be a handover and election of shadow authorities, this would be a process of disaggregation.

8.    Mr Rayner noted that the KCC Cabinet was taking a proactive approach, KALC had been quick to notify parish councils of the information available. Mr Rayner attended a KALC meeting in the capacity of KCC representative, providing Members with an update on devolution.

9.    A Member noted that the reforms were long overdue, emphasising the importance of engagement with district councils, discussing the potential of KCC outreach by visiting towns and informing residents of the devolution process. The Member mentioned the importance of areas without parishes being recommended to set up their own parishes. Additionally, the importance of future proofing the council. considering growth when boundaries were drawn. Finally, emphasising the importance of delivering the best for Kent residents in a bi-partisan manner.

10.When asked who would manage flood risks. Mr Gough shared that the MSA was linked to resilience, but the answer could not be confirmed, Mr Gough offered to come back to Members with an answer at a later date. Another Member added that the MSA was to be responsible for the environment and climate change.

11.A Member noted that the spread of misinformation about devolution could be due to lack of complete understanding of Members who voted for the priority programme, additionally questioning the rushed timescale of Kent’s application to the DPP. Mr Jeffreys explained that the County Council vote on the DPP was a free vote. Mr Gough added that devolution process was to be delivered in 16 months not the reorganisation of local government, which would take longer. Devolution would allow for the creation of an effective strategic organisation which would be able to deliver in the key areas separate from the pressures of people services, with powers, funding and a national voice to do so.

12.RESOLVED that the Scrutiny Committee noted the urgent decision taken by Cabinet on 9 January 2025.