Minutes:
The Leader reported that she had attended a meeting in West Sussex to discuss the 3 Counties devolution proposals. She was concerned that the County Councils were not taking on board the concerns of the district councils and that the district councils were expected to sign up without knowing the full implications. Discussions were now about a “real” combined authority for the 3 county area although there would be no guarantees in relation to funding. It was also emerging that, in order for a combined authority to be granted extra powers, it would have to have a directly elected Mayor.
Also under discussion by the Surrey Leaders was “double” devolution, with powers relating to highways, flood relief, public realm and enforcement, including trading standards, being devolved from the County Council to groups of districts councils.
The Surrey Leaders had also discussed whether to lobby the Government in relation to its proposal to reduce, from 5% to 2½%, the percentage of retained NNDR rates. The Leader was of the opinion that such lobbying would be ineffective. The Surrey Leaders had also expressed concern in relation to the Government’s proposed apprenticeship levy which could result in a substantial cost to local authorities.