Agenda item - Update on Greater Brighton Devolution Bid

Report of the Chair, Greater Brighton Officer Programme Board (copy attached).

That the Board:

(1)          Note the contents of this report, and;

(2)          Receive a verbal update at its meeting on 26 January 2016 on the City Region’s Ministerial challenge session, confirmed for 14 January 2016, and the recommended next steps in line with the feedback that is received.

25.1      The Board considered a report of the Chair, Greater Brighton Officer Programme Board that provided an update on progress in relation to the development of the City Region’s devolution bid since the previous meeting held on 13 October 2015.

25.2      Nick Hibberd updated the Board on recent developments noting that a meeting had been held with Baroness Williams from whom a letter of thanks had been received with a further meeting with government officials scheduled for the current week.

25.3      Councillor Morgan congratulated officers for their work and the Chair of the Board for leading the delegation.

25.4      The Chair echoed the congratulations to officers adding that the meeting had gone very well.

25.5      Councillor Theobald stated that a second line between Brighton station and Three Bridges station was essential to improve access to and from London and he sought assurance that the matter had been raised.

25.6      Geoff Raw stated that the matter had been raised and there had been further discussion with the Department for Transport (DfT) and input from the new Chief Executive of Coast to Capital on the matter.

25.7      Phillip Carr agreed that the meeting had gone well and ministers had subsequently commended the diversity of the proposals and the range of skills and backgrounds of those presenting them.

25.8      Councillor Wall stated it was important that the focus of the Greater Brighton region and the 3SC’s be closely aligned and planned to ensure there was no duplication in work and that it met the respective local authorities aims. Councillor Wall stated that there were three essential issues: transport, infrastructure and housing and progress required consensus and political support.

25.9      RESOLVED-   That the Board:

(1)          Note the contents of the report, and;

(2)          Receive a verbal update at its meeting on 26 January 2016 on the City Region’s Ministerial challenge session, confirmed for 14 January 2016, and the recommended next steps in line with the feedback that is received.