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Tuesday 30 August 2016

Devolution deals looking even more doubtful...

Brexit has clear implications for 'devolution deals':
Futures Forum: Brexit: and devolution in the South West
Futures Forum: Brexit: and local democracy ... of devolution and cuts in local government
Futures Forum: Brexit: and devolution: "Devolution is a great opportunity after years of oppressive centralisation"

Meanwhile, there are plenty of other issues unfolding - as noted by the East Devon Watch blog over the last weeks:

1: The Local Enterprise Partnership:
Futures Forum: Devolution and Local Enterprise Partnerships: a summary

BAD NEWS FOR OUR DEVOLUTION COUNCILS AND LEP

29 JULY 2016

Particularly our LEP which has totally based its strategy on ever-increasing growth and productivity, continuing to receive EU funds or a similar level of funding from the government and for trickle-down from Hinkley C.

Plan B?

Councils issue warning on EU funding uncertainty
Growing uncertainty over the future of European funding for infrastructure and regeneration projects across England will hit economic growth unless there is clarity from government soon, councils have warned today.
Councils issue warning on EU funding uncertainty | Public Finance



Beyond metro mayors and ‘secret deals’: rethinking devolution in England

As the guard changes in Westminster and new government seeks to differentiate itself from its predecessor, it is timely to review the state of the devolution debate, argues John Tomaney. Policymakers need to learn from the US experience and reconsider the fixation on mayors. Just as importantly, the problem with ‘secret deals’ must be addressed if devolution is going to have any real democratic credentials.

Beyond metro mayors and ‘secret deals’: rethinking devolution in England : Democratic Audit UK

“Beyond metro mayors and ‘secret deals’: rethinking devolution in England” | East Devon Watch

3: The expansion of Exeter:
Futures Forum: Of Cranbrook and Greater Exeter

“GREATER EXETER” PROTECTS THE COUNTRYSIDE – HONESTLY, THAT’S WHAT THEY SAY!

17 August 2016

And it must be true, because Andrew Moulding says so! Now, about Exmouth Splat … And look who the money is coming from: developers!

Councils join forces to protect countryside
THREE local authorities have joined forces to protect the Devon coast and countryside. Teignbridge, East Devon District Councils and Exeter City Council have form a cross-boundary partnership to safeguard three internationally important conservation sites.
The three councils have established the South East Devon Habitat Regulations Executive Committe to off-set the effects of new developments and population growth on the protected sites. They will work together to protect places such as the Exe Estuary, Dawlish Warren and the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths for future generations to enjoy.


“Greater Exeter” protects the countryside – honestly, that’s what they say! | East Devon Watch
“Greater Exeter” moves on apace – and Greater Plymouth | East Devon Watch

4: More on metro mayors:
Futures Forum: Devolution: a distinct lack of enthusiasm for a metro mayor
Futures Forum: Devon County Council and devolution: "It seems Councillor Hart will proceed no further without much more assurance about what’s in it for Devon."

DEVOLUTION MAYORS – IN OR OUT? WHO KNOWS!
24 June 2016

Could Westminster politics end the march of the mayors?
Mayors can provide an answer to the questions of accountability raised by devolution, but they are not the only solution. These decisions should be informed by what works for local places, not by the demands of national politics.

Could Westminster politics end the march of the mayors? | Public Finance

Devolution Mayors – in or out? Who knows! | East Devon Watch

5: What is 'democracy'?
Futures Forum: Changes to Dorset’s democracy and council structure >>> and the implications for Devon
Futures Forum: West Dorset referendum to change the council system >>> "Local politics only works if local people feel they have a real say in the issues affecting their neighbourhoods."

TORY DORSET MP SLAMS COUNCIL MERGERS AS ANTI-DEMOCRATIC

29 August 2016

Aahh, a “Dorset Leaders Growth Board” – shades of our old East Devon Business Forum and our Local Enterprise Partnership! True, no democracy there!

Dorset councils merger plan 'an attack on democracy'
Plans to reorganise local government in Dorset in a bid to save cash are an "attack against democracy", an MP has claimed.
Chief executives from all nine councils in the county presented four shake-up options at a meeting on Thursday night. Proposals include the possible merger of Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and East Dorset.
Christchurch MP Chris Chope said merger plans would be "suicide" for residents.
Dorset's councils said they received £142m less per year in government funding now than in 2010-11, and needed to cut spending by £200m a year by 2019-20, with further cuts of £30.4m estimated by 2025. Anthony Alford, leader of West Dorset District Council and vice-chairman of the Dorset Leaders' Growth Board, said considering change was "essential" in order to reduce costs "and ensure councils are sustainable for the future".

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