Members considered a motion in relation to the devolution deal for the Heart of the Southwest and devolution discussions on sub-regional opportunities, notice of which was given in accordance with Standing Order A14.

Councillor Thomas (D) proposed and Councillor Tyerman seconded a motion as set out below:

That the Council be recommended:

(i)         to confirm its commitment to the devolution deal for the Heart of the Southwest and instruct the Chief Executive and Officers to continue their support for the development of the productivity plan and the establishment of governance for its delivery;

(ii)        to instruct the Chief Executive (working with representatives from the Devolution Working Party) to explore as a matter of urgency, sub regional opportunities with Plymouth City Council, Exeter City Council and any other authorities wishing to discuss devolution options which would have a potential benefit to Torbay.  These discussions will enable the Council to ensure that all possibilities have been considered in the event that the Heart of the South West deal is not progressed, or is not as significant as originally envisaged;  and

(iii)       the Chief Executive is instructed to report progress on both (i) and (ii) above, to the Devolution Working Party and Council as he deems appropriate.

During the debate Mayor Oliver proposed and Councillor Mills seconded an amendment to the motion as follows:

(ii)        that, subject to the Chief Executive firstly consulting with the private sector members of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) to ascertain their views on developing alternative proposals (as has been the case with other devolution bids), to instruct the Chief Executive (working with representatives from the Devolution Working Party) to explore as a matter of urgency sub regional opportunities with Plymouth City Council, Exeter City Council and any other authorities wishing to discuss devolution options which would have a potential benefit to Torbay.  These discussions will enable the Council to ensure that all possibilities have been considered in the event that the Heart of the South West deal is not progressed, or is not as significant as originally envisaged. 

In accordance with Standing Order A19.4 a recorded vote was taken on the amendment.  The voting was taken by roll call as follows:  For: Mayor Oliver, Councillors Amil, Excell, Haddock, King, Manning, Mills, Parrott and Stubley (9);  Against:  Councillors Barnby, Bent, Brooks, Bye, Carter, Cunningham, Darling (M), Darling (S), Doggett, Ellery, Hill, Kingscote, Lewis, Morey, Robson, Sanders, Stockman, Stocks, Stringer, Sykes, Thomas (D), Thomas (J), Tolchard and Tyerman (24);  and Absent:  Councillors Morris, O’Dwyer, Pentney and Winfield (4).  Therefore, the amendment was declared lost.

Councillor Thomas (D) and Councillor Tyerman’s original motion was then considered by the Council which was agreed, as set out below:

That the Council be recommended:

(i)         to confirm its commitment to the devolution deal for the Heart of the Southwest and instruct the Chief Executive and Officers to continue their support for the development of the productivity plan and the establishment of governance for its delivery;

(ii)        to instruct the Chief Executive (working with representatives from the Devolution Working Party) to explore as a matter of urgency sub regional opportunities with Plymouth City Council, Exeter City Council and any other authorities wishing to discuss devolution options which would have a potential benefit to Torbay.  These discussions will enable the Council to ensure that all possibilities have been considered in the event that the Heart of the South West deal is not progressed, or is not as significant as originally envisaged;  and

(iii)       the Chief Executive is instructed to report progress on both (i) and (ii) above, to the Devolution Working Party and Council as he deems appropriate.

(Note:  Mayor Oliver and Councillors Amil, Excell, Mills and Haddock required their abstention from voting on the decision in Minute 124 to be recorded.)