Report of the Chief Executive

Liverpool City Region Devolution Agreement

The first matter requiring approval was in relation to the report of the Chief Executive, on the following matter – Potential Devolution of Powers and Resources – Liverpool City Region.

It was moved by Councillor Phil Davies and seconded by Councillor Ann McLachlan –

“That the recommendations as contained within the report be noted”.

It was moved as an amendment by Councillor Phil Gilchrist and seconded by Councillor Dave Mitchell –

  After 2.1 D add…….

“Council notes that the Devolution Agreement states …

‘Devolution must deliver opportunities for all of those residents and businesses, through creating more jobs, improving the skills and employment prospects of our residents and allow them a greater say over the future of their communities’.

Council also notes that this Agreement:

a.  promises (page 6, section 2) to’build on’ the Governance model used by the Combined Authority.

b.  offers assurances that ‘The LCR Mayor will also be required to consult the Combined Authority members on his/her strategies’ (page 6, section 3).

c.  in Section 60 page 16 states that…'The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority is accountable to local people for the successful implementation of the devolution deal’.

Council believes it essential that an early steer is given to all those developing the Governance model. Council wishes to ensure that the Combined Authority and the elected Mayor are as accountable and transparent as possible.

Council needs to be assured that the existing provisions regarding Scrutiny in the Combined Authority, albeit in their infancy, can be strengthened to deal with the increased resources, responsibilities and momentum of the new structure.

Therefore, Council suggests that, as the process of governance is being developed, early consideration is given to:

a.  the creation of an ‘assembly’, with practices similar to that operating in London, before which the elected Mayor Is expected to outline his or her priorities and proposed actions.

b.  a model that allows three members, chosen by the Councillors in each Parliamentary Constituency, from amongst their own number, to form the basis for such a body.

Council requests that this is considered by the constituent Councils and the Combined Authority.”

Following a debate and Councillor Phil Davies having replied, the Liberal Democrat amendment was then put to the vote.

At the request of several Members, a ‘card vote’ was then taken on Councillor Gilchrist’s amendment to the motion and the Council divided as follows:

For the amendment (20) Councillors T Anderson, B Berry, C Blakeley,  E Boult, A Brighouse, C Carubia, W Clements, D Elderton, G Ellis, L Fraser,  P Gilchrist, J Green, J Hale, D Mitchell, T Pilgrim L Rennie, A Sykes,  GCJ Watt, Mrs PM Williams and S Williams.

Against the amendment (39). Councillors R Abbey, P Brightmore, Burgess-Joyce, J Crabtree, M Daniel, A Davies, G Davies, P Davies, W Davies,  P Doughty, S Foulkes, R Gregson, P Hackett, T Johnson, AER Jones,  C Jones, B Kenny, A Leech, A McLachlan, M McLaughlin, C Meaden,  B Mooney, C Muspratt, S Niblock, T Norbury, M Patrick, L ReeceJones,  D Roberts, J Salter, PA Smith, W Smith, C Spriggs, JV Stapleton, M Sullivan, J Walsh, S Whittingham, I Williams, KJ Williams and J Williamson.

Two abstentions – Councillor L Rowlands (Civic Mayor) and Councillor P Cleary.

The Amendment was lost (20:39) (Two abstentions)

At the request of several Members, a ‘card vote’ was then taken on Councillor Davies’ motion and the Council divided as follows:

For the motion (59) Councillors R Abbey, T Anderson,B Berry, C Blakeley,  E Boult, A Brighouse, P Brightmore, D Burgess-Joyce, C Carubia,  W Clements, J Crabtree, M Daniel, A Davies, G Davies, P Davies, W Davies, P Doughty, D Elderton, G Ellis, S Foulkes, L Fraser, P Gilchrist, J Green,  R Gregson, P Hackett, J Hale, T Johnson, AER Jones, C Jones, B Kenny,  A Leech, A McLaughlin, M McLaughlin, C Meaden, D Mitchell, B Mooney,  C Muspratt, S Niblock,T Norbury, M Patrick, T Pilgrim, L ReeceJones,  L Rennie, D Roberts, J Salter, PA Smith, W Smith, C Spriggs, JV Stapleton, M Sullivan, A Sykes, J Walsh, GCJ Watt, S Whittingham, I Williams,  KJ Williams, Mrs PM Williams, S Williams and J Williamson.

Against the motion (1) Councillor P Cleary

One abstention – Councillor L Rowlands (Civic Mayor).

The motion was carried.(59:1) (One Abstention)

Resolved (59:1) (One abstention) – That the recommendations contained within the report be approved.