Issue - meetings
Lancaster and South Cumbria Joint Committee
Meeting: 09/06/2020 - Cabinet (Item 9)
9 Lancaster and South Cumbria Joint Committee 
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(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Lewis)
Report of Chief Executive (report published on 8 June 2020)
Additional documents:
Minutes:
(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Lewis)
Cabinet received a report from the Chief Executive which sought approval to progress arrangements for the formation of a joint committee with Barrow Borough Council and South Lakeland District Council. The committee would create a formal, shared link between the three councils, build on collective strengths and increase capacity to deliver on key issues and mutually shared interests affecting the region.
The options, options analysis, including risk assessment were set out in the report as follows:
Option 1: To enter into a Joint Committee
Advantages: As described in the report
Disadvantages: Some administration cost, possible perception of subsidiarity
Risks:
Each or any of the three constituent authorities do not agree or continue the joint arrangements with the consequence that the benefits and opportunities of collaborative working are not realised.
Joint arrangements are not recognised by other partners and Government
Option 2: Not to enter into a Joint Committee
Advantages: Disadvantages above avoided
Disadvantages:
The constituent authorities could continue with an informal collaboration. This option is not recommended as the requirements and options for promoting growth and investment proposals to Government and local partners will be strengthened if backed by a demonstrable joint commitment that a formal arrangement represents.
The existing informal collaboration is not open to political and democratic scrutiny other than individually through each of the constituent authorities.
Risks: As risks
Councillor Lewis proposed, seconded by Councillor Jackson:-
“That the recommendations, as set out in the report, be approved.”
Councillors then voted:-
Resolved unanimously:
(1) That a Joint Committee with Barrow Borough and South Lakeland District Council covering all respective administrative areas to promote the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of the areas be established.
(2) That the Executive Functions within the Terms of Reference be delegated to the Joint Committee and the Procedure Rules, as attached in Appendix 1 of the report and outlined in the report be adopted.
(3) That it be agreed that Lancaster City Council act as the initial host authority for one year.
(4) That the Leader and one other cabinet member (appointed from time to time by
the Leader) be appointed to the Joint Committee.
(5) That Council be requested to authorise the Monitoring Officer to amend the Constitution at Part 2 Section 6 to reflect the delegations and joint arrangement.
Officer responsible for effecting the decision:
Chief Executive
Reasons for making the decision:
Promoting a strategic economic, social and environmental well-being development approach across the region has been promoted via the prospectus, the event at Lancaster University and directly with Ministers, MP’s and bodies such as the Northern Powerhouse Partnership. The Leaders and Chief Executives of the constituent authorities have discussed options for creating more formal and accountable arrangements for the Councils to progress growth initiatives. The proposed arrangement will be for the discharge of executive functions only in order to promote the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of the area.