To seek endorsement for Central Bedfordshire Council to adopt the Central Area Growth Board Terms of Reference and become a full member of the Growth Board.

RESOLVED

1.      That the significance of the National Infrastructure Commission and Government focus on the Cambridge – Milton Keynes – Oxford Corridor be noted.

2.      That an associated contribution of £5k of ongoing revenue to support the work of the Central Area Growth Board be approved.

RECOMMENDED to Council

1.         That Central Bedfordshire Council become a full member of the Central Area Growth Board by adopting the Terms of Reference, as set out in Appendix A to the Executive report.

2.         That the creation of the Central Area Growth Board as a joint committee under section 101(5), 102 Local Government Act 1972 and section 9EB of the Local Government Act 2000 and pursuant (where applicable) to the Local Authorities (Arrangement for the Discharge of Functions) (England) Regulations 2012 be approved.

3.         That the additions to the Constitution, as set out in Appendix B to the Executive report, be approved.

4.         That the Executive Member for Regeneration be appointed as the Council’s representative on the Central Area Growth Board.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Regeneration that sought endorsement for Central Bedfordshire to become a full member of the Central Area Growth Board and the adoption of the proposed terms of reference. The Council would then work collaboratively with the other neighbouring local authorities and be an active partner within the Cambridge-Oxford Corridor.

In response to questions, the Executive Member for Regeneration explained that the Board would not have any delegated decision-making powers from councils.  Any decisions required would need to be ratified by each of the constituent authorities. Regional assemblies had been disbanded, but working collaboratively with neighbouring authorities would help shape the area’s future and help access funding for infrastructure.  

Reason for decision:  To enable the Council to actively participate in contributing to shaping and driving the agenda on strategic planning, economic development and infrastructure planning at the sub-regional level.

RESOLVED

1.      that the significance of the National Infrastructure Commission and Government focus on the Cambridge – Milton Keynes – Oxford Corridor be noted; and

2.      that an associated contribution of £5k of ongoing revenue to support the work of the Central Area Growth Board be approved.

RECOMMENDED to Council

1.         that Central Bedfordshire Council become a full member of the Central Area Growth Board by adopting the Terms of Reference, as set out in Appendix A to the Executive report;

2.         that the creation of the Central Area Growth Board as a joint committee under section 101(5), 102 Local Government Act 1972 and section 9EB of the Local Government Act 2000 and pursuant (where applicable) to the Local Authorities (Arrangement for the Discharge of Functions) (England) Regulations 2012 be approved;

3.         that the additions to the Constitution, as set out in Appendix B to the Executive report, be approved.

4.         that the Executive Member for Regeneration be appointed as the Council’s representative on the Central Area Growth Board.

The decision was unanimous.