Decision details

Resolved

(1)          That the Joint Chief Executive or the acting Head of Paid Service, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, be given delegated authority to respond to the County Council consultation for a single county unitary on behalf of the Council and its key stakeholders, following feedback from this meeting.

(2)          That the Joint Chief Executive or the acting Head of Paid Service with the Leader of the Council continue to work in collaboration with West Oxfordshire District Council and Oxford City Council to present the opposing case for local government reform in Oxfordshire.

(3)          That the Joint Chief Executive or the acting Head of Paid Service with the Leader of the Council continue to work in collaboration with the Leaders of the other five Councils in Oxfordshire to pursue a devolution deal that will facilitate the continuation of economic growth and prosperity of our district and the county as a whole, through devolved powers and additional funding from Government.

(4)          That the Joint Chief Executive or the acting Head of Paid Service with the Leader of the Council engages with the Secretary of State/his officials regarding local government reform and/or a devolution deal on behalf of the Council.

(5)          That the provision of up to £150,000 from reserves (as agreed in the budget and policy framework), to be used only if considered necessary by the Chief Finance Officer, in consultation with the Leader and Lead Member with responsibility for Financial Management to enable the Council to respond to the proposals for a single county unitary and other related activity to protect the interests of Cherwell district residents, or to pursue a devolution deal in whatever form is necessary, be agreed.

(6)          That  following agreement of (5) above, the Executive be kept informed of actual spend against this emergency fund to enable monitoring, the effective management of risk and ensure transparency.