To consider a report on the above.

Further to Minute 68/9/15, the Council considered the submitted report updating Members on the work of the Devolution for the Heart of the South West and introduced the completed prospectus ‘Devolution for the Heart of the South West - A Prospectus for Productivity’.  It was noted the prospectus set out formal devolution proposals with a view to negotiating a deal with the Government thereafter.  Any final devolution deal with the Government would be subject to further approval by all partners individually.

It was proposed by Councillor Mills and seconded by Councillor Tyerman:

(i)         that the Council endorses the Mayor’s current approach to devolution and the drafting of proposals, their submission and negotiation of a deal for the Heart of the South West, namely:

Working with local authorities, National Parks and the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership to deliver full proposals for devolution which will seek a formal agreement with Government on a formal devolution deal;

(ii)        that the submission of the final draft of the Heart of the South West Devolution Prospectus (Appendix 2 to the submitted report) to Government, be approved subject to any changes made to the final draft prior to submission; and

(iii)       that the Executive Director of Operations and Finance, in consultation with the Mayor, be authorised to make any final changes and approve the submission of the ‘Heart of the South West Devolution – A Prospectus for Productivity’ to Government.

On being put to the vote, the motion was declared carried (unanimous).