Issue - meetings

NORFOLK COUNTY DEAL RESPONSE

Meeting: 31/10/2023 - Cabinet (Item 55)

55 NORFOLK COUNTY DEAL RESPONSE PDF 232 KB

Decision:

RECOMMENDED: That the Leader and Chief Executive continue to engage in the County Deal discussions with NCC on behalf of BCKLWN with a focus on

- this council’s powers and sovereignty remain undiminished;

- West-Norfolk will have a fair say in the priorities being set for any new funding under the ‘deal’

- West-Norfolk will have a fair opportunity to access such funding to secure the best deal for west Norfolk

• That BCKLWN gives it’s support to NCC to negotiate with Government to secure the best deal for Norfolk subject to 1. above

Reason for Decision

To respond to the Motion agreed at the Council meeting on 30 March 2023 (Minute 6/23).

Minutes:

Click here to view the recording of this item on YouTube

A report was presented which reminded Cabinet that the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk (BCKLWN) agreed at the Council meeting on 30 March 2023 to make a clear public position on the County Deal for Norfolk before Norfolk County Council (NCC) made a final decision at the NCC Council meeting on 12 December 2023.

In commenting on the issue, Councillor Beales reminded members that the council did not have a vote on the matter and all it could do was encourage the County Council to try to get a better deal.

Under standing order 34 Councillor Dark commented that the motion had asked officers to check to see if the proposed Deal would effect the Council’s sovereignty or power, which it didn’t. He commented that if the Deal was agreed the County Council would have a considerable amount of money going forward, so the council should continue to engage as much as possible and allow officers to continue to negotiate.

Under standing order 34 Councillor Kemp did not support the County Deal, she commented that it brought no funding to the Borough and took some power away from the Districts. She considered that with the issues the District councils were facing it would not help the long term funding issues as the fund was not sufficient.

Councillor de Whalley shared those concerns.

Councillor Morley commented on the lack of financial support from the Government, and the council did not want to be disadvantaged by any inability to raise money.

Councillor Rust commented that devolved responsibility brought additional work to organisations. She commented that money received for the UKSPF was the equivalent of what would previously have been sought and supplied from the EU.

Councillor Squire commented that if she were being asked to support the County Deal she would not, but reminded members that this report was about ensuring the borough was there to discuss issues going forward.

The Chair reported that no District leader was happy with the proposal or had a vote on it, but he was being pragmatic about it as it was not about whether this council like it or not..