Issue - meetings

a)    That the Secretary of State’s decision to process with the two-unitary proposal submitted by Leicester City Council, with the requested boundary modification except for the six part-parishes identified in the Secretary of State’s letter be noted;

b)    That it be noted that implementation will require a Structural Changes Order, subject to Parliamentary approval, to abolish the existing councils, establish the new unitary authorities and make transitional arrangements;

c)    That the implications for the County Council, as set out in the supplementary report, including the need to engage fully in transitional and implementation arrangements while continuing to discharge its statutory responsibilities until vesting day;

d)    That the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Monitoring Officer, be authorised to take such steps as are necessary, through the County Council’s usual decision making and governance processes, to protect the County Council’s interests during the transition, including in relation to governance, service continuity, assets, liabilities, staffing, finance, data and programme implementation;

e)    That it be agreed that further reports be brought to the Cabinet as necessary as the detail of the Structural Changes Order, implementation arrangements and programme governance become clearer.

(KEY DECISION)

The Cabinet considered a joint report of the Chief Executive and the Monitoring Officer which provided an update on the Government’s plans for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland and outlined proposals and recommendations relating to the establishment of Joint Committees.  Since publication of the original report, the Government had announced its decision regarding LGR in Leicestershire, and an update was provided on the decision and its implications for the County Council.  Copies of the report and a supplementary paper, both marked ‘Agenda Item 5’, are filed with these minutes.

Mr. D. Harrison CC commented that the decision was not the outcome that the County Council had argued for and was disappointed that the Government had chosen the City boundary expansion proposal.  However, he stated that it was now important to protect services, support staff across Leicestershire and Rutland and ensure that the transition to the two new unitary authorities was managed properly.  Mr. Harrison CC also gave thanks to the officers who had worked exceptionally hard throughout the process.

Mr. Crook CC echoed that a different outcome would have been preferable, but the focus now had to be on ensuring that the transition was delivered effectively and that residents continued to receive the services they relied on.  He also wished to put on record his thanks to the officers involved in the work.

RESOLVED:

a)    That the Secretary of State’s decision to process with the two-unitary proposal submitted by Leicester City Council, with the requested boundary modification except for the six part-parishes identified in the Secretary of State’s letter be noted;

b)    That it be noted that implementation will require a Structural Changes Order, subject to Parliamentary approval, to abolish the existing councils, establish the new unitary authorities and make transitional arrangements;

c)    That the implications for the County Council, as set out in the supplementary report, including the need to engage fully in transitional and implementation arrangements while continuing to discharge its statutory responsibilities until vesting day, be noted;

d)    That the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Monitoring Officer, be authorised to take such steps as are necessary, through the County Council’s usual decision making and governance processes, to protect the County Council’s interests during the transition, including in relation to governance, service continuity, assets, liabilities, staffing, finance, data and programme implementation;

e)    That it be agreed that further reports be brought to the Cabinet as necessary as the detail of the Structural Changes Order, implementation arrangements and programme governance become clearer.

(KEY DECISION)

REASON FOR DECISION:

The Secretary of State’s decision represents a significant development in the local government reorganisation process for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Although the existing councils will continue to operate until vesting day, substantial transitional and implementation work will now be required. The Cabinet is therefore asked to note the decision, the requirement for a Structural Changes Order, and the need for the County Council to participate fully in implementation arrangements while protecting the interests of residents, service users, staff and council taxpayers.