Agenda and draft minutes

There were none.

1.    Disclosable Pecuniary Interests

2.    Other Interests

No interests were declared.

The purpose of the report was for Cabinet to consider and agree the Council’s preferred option for Local Government Reorganisation (as recommended by the Devolution & LGR Sub-Committee) prior to consideration at a special Council Assembly meeting on 9th July. Regular updates had also been provided to the Council’s Resources Overview and Scrutiny Panel.

Cabinet members praised the work undertaken by the Devolution & LGR Sub-Committee and the quality of the documentation considered by members. Positive feedback and input had been received from all political groups towards the preferred option during meetings of the Sub-Committee.

Reference was made to financial sustainability, growth and economic geography being vital. A series of cluster meetings with town/parish councils had been arranged to take place over the next few months.

Wider engagement with stakeholders and public consultation was scheduled later in the LGR process, along with further meetings of Cabinet and Council Assembly.

Options considered:

The Council would continue to contribute to the development of all options for reorganisation including progressing its preferred position.

DECISION:  

1.    That the work undertaken by the LGR & Devolution Sub-Committee be acknowledged.

2.    That Option D be approved as SMDC’s preferred option for Local Government Reorganisation (prior to consideration by the Council Assembly on 9th July) in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent for two new unitary councils as follows:

3.    That Council be recommended to create three Locality Champion roles (one nomination from each political groups) on the terms outlined in the report.