Issue - meetings
Local Government Reform proposal for the Bay area
Meeting: 08/12/2020 - Cabinet (Item 93)
93 Local Government Reform proposal for the Bay area 
PDF 466 KB
(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Lewis)
Report of the Chief Executive
Additional documents:
- Appendix 1 and 2 Full Proposal-The Bay Council and Engagement Summary-081220, item 93
PDF 5 MB
- Appendix 3 Unitary Invitation, item 93
PDF 37 KB
- Appendix 4 Unitary confirmation letter- Type C, item 93
PDF 80 KB
- Draft for Publication - Full Proposal for The Bay Council - 061220 SLIDE 13, item 93
PDF 83 KB
Minutes:
(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Lewis)
Cabinet received a report from the Chief Executive to request Cabinet’s endorsement of the full proposal for a unitary council for the Bay area. At meetings on 5 November 2020, Cabinet endorsed, and full Council authorised the submission of an outline proposal for a unitary authority for the Bay to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the subsequent preparation of a full proposal. The report presented that full proposal for approval. If approved, the Barrow, South Lakeland and Lancaster councils would present the full proposal to Government, demonstrating how a unitary council would be an effective driver and enabler of economic, social and environmental benefits for the area’s residents, businesses and visitors, realise the strategic potential of the area and enable transformation of public services.
The options, options analysis, including risk assessment and officer preferred option, were set out in the report as follows:
Option 1: Submit the proposal to government by 9 December 2020
Advantages: The Bay unitary option remains on the table to be considered by government. The preferences of our residents and stakeholders are supported. Builds on the strong relationship with the Bay authorities and partners. Potential for benefits and opportunities for our residents and businesses, opportunities for shared priorities and outcomes across the Bay area, more sustainable services working with connected communities, integrated health and social care reform. Provides a greater opportunity to deliver the economic prosperity and growth identified in The Bay Prosperity and Resilience Strategy, sooner and at scale Potential for a louder voice with government with opportunities to influence policy developments, funding priorities and investment. Potential for a coordinated Bay wide approach to climate change action. Potential for more devolved funding and responsibilities as a unitary council within a Combined Authority area.
Disadvantages: Moving forwards, a great deal of work will be required but there will be the opportunity to plan and resource this well.
Risks: There is a risk that the Bay proposal is not supported by government. All possible steps have been taken to ensure a strong proposal is made.
Option 2: Do not submit the proposal to government
Advantages: None. No obvious advantages, particularly as the option to remain as a single district is unlikely to continue as local government reorganisation and devolution plans develop at the national government level.
Disadvantages: The Bay unitary proposal will not be considered by government and the district will have significantly less influence on any future unitary developments. Lost opportunity to deliver benefits and outcomes for our residents and businesses, develop for shared priorities and outcomes across the Bay area, more sustainable services working with connected communities, integrated health and social care reform. The unitary proposal preferred by most residents cannot be progressed. Reduced opportunity to achieve a louder voice with government to influence policy developments, funding priorities and investment. The Council’s influence on local government reorganisation would be significantly reduced. Lost opportunity to bring additional devolved funds and responsibilities into the ... view the full minutes text for item 93