Agenda item

Consideration was given to a report which proposed to amend the constitution of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.  Council had received a report at its meeting on 17^th December 2014 on the Devolution Agreement negotiated between the Government and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA).  The agreement set out the additional powers and responsibilities that would be transferred to Greater Manchester.  It also outlined the required reforms to Greater Manchester’s Governance System which included the adoption of an elected mayor for Greater Manchester by “early 2017”.  Pending the necessary primary legislation and as a transitional measure, the agreement committed that steps would be taken to amend the Combined Authority order to create an eleventh leader as Chair who would be the appointed Mayor until a Mayor is elected.

The Secretary of State was now consulting on a draft Order which would give effect to the agreed transitional measures and views were sought on the proposals contained in the report.

The consultation document set out a number of proposed amendments to the constitution of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority which included:

·         Membership

·         Chair of the Combined Authority

·         Executive Arrangements

·         Remuneration

·         Proceedings

In addition, three questions were posed as part of the consultation which were:

1.         Do you consider that enabling an additional board member to chair the Combined Authority would in the circumstances of Greater Manchester be likely to improve the provision of transport in the area and its effectiveness and efficiency, the provision of economic development and regeneration in the area, or the economic conditions in the area?  And if so, in what regards.

2.         How do you consider an additional board member may impact on the identities and interests of local communities and on securing effective and convenient local government?

3.         Do you have any comments on the proposed constitutional arrangements as set out in Annex A and the draft Order?

Councillor McMahon encouraged members to make a strong contribution.  The development had been rapid, but this was one of the most significant changes to governance since the 1970’s and it would fundamentally change the way decisions are made and therefore it was important to contribute through the consultation to provide feedback to Government.  This was also about securing the best deal for communities at a local level.  A wider governance review would follow making sure decisions were transparent and accountable.  It was also felt that the Combined Authority should have the ability to hold and maintain a housing revenue account, which would give Greater Manchester the power to get housing development off the ground.      

Councillor Sykes stated that Oldham was one of the few Councils to have this item back on the agenda as other authorities had not considered this at Cabinet or Council.  This was the most fundamental shift of power since local government reorganisation in1974.  It was important to be listened to and be part of the team and not limit ambitions for the City Region.  Councillor Sykes supported the provision of a housing revenue account.

Councillor Hudson suggested that due to the late hour, a special session should be arranged for members to provide input on this important issue. 

Councillor Rehman congratulated the Leader on the work that had been done.

Councillor McMahon exercised his right of reply and thanked Councillor Sykes for the work he had done as part of the Liberal Democrat group in Greater Manchester to push this forward. 

RESOLVED that:

1.         The constitutional amendments to the Combined Authority as set out it the draft order and Annex A of the consultation document be endorsed.

2.         Authority be delegated to the Leader in consultation with the Chief Executive to respond formally to the consultation questions posed following discussion at the meeting.