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Posted on the 3SC website on 11 October 2016:
At the last Leader’s meeting on 19 September
they agreed to set up a Sounding Board, which is made up of a small group of
councillors from across the three counties.
This group will discuss, debate and agree
some of the key issues relating to the governance of the 3SC area, including
how decisions will be made. This may include questions around creating a
structure with or without a mayor and the implications for the power of
the Combined Authority to issue a precept as a way of raising money to
contribute to the revolving infrastructure fund.
Posted on the 3SC website on 3 October 2016:
Leaders
from across Surrey, East and West Sussex met on Monday 19 September to take forward the 3SC
proposals for devolution, making significant progress in next steps for the
area’s bid.
There
was unanimous agreement to move to a more formal structure of a Leader’s
Board. Louise Goldsmith, Leader of West Sussex, was elected Chairman with
two Vice Chairmen – Moira Gibson, Leader of Surrey Heath Borough Council, and
Andy Smith, Leader of Lewes District Council. This board will agree and define
the aims and ambitions of the 3SC deal and act as a strong and united voice for
the area, ensuring the three counties’ interests are fully represented with
Government, acting on behalf of the wider group of Leaders. The Leaders’ Board
will be in place until there is an announcement of the deal.
One
of the first actions the board agreed was a joint response to Government on the
retention of business rates to emphasise the opportunity to support wider
devolution plans if it is done in the right way and also to seek assurances
that as a minimum the 3SC area would be no worse off.
The
board also agreed a broad approach for the next stages of the negotiations with
Government and that activity will continue to promote the unique position of
the 3SC deal in helping support the economic growth of the UK.
The
main factors that make 3SC unique are:
1)
The economic opportunity for the UK provided by the 3SC region
2)
Significant investment from the local authorities within the 3SC deal;
3)
Strength of relationships across the 3SC region.
A
key feature of the proposed 3SC deal is the tax dividend it will provide to
Government from growth. We are asking for a small percentage of this to be
invested in the 3SC area, particularly to improve infrastructure on which
residents and businesses depend.
Another
focus for the Leaders’ Board is to continue to raise awareness and
understanding and promote the 3SC position on devolution among all Members, MPs
and local businesses – with our Local Enterprise Partnerships playing a key
role – in particular emphasising the key elements that make the deal unique.
The next steps include raising the awareness during the party conference
season, Ministerial meetings and more proactive engagement with business around
economic development.
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