New joint Chief Executive for Babergh and Mid Suffolk

I am pleased to be one of the group leaders who will be part of the process to recruit a new chief executive, as I was for the appointment of Charlie Adan some six years ago.  At that point the two Districts were still to hold a referendum as to whether we should abolish the two separate councils and form a new single one.  In the event, Babergh residents voted strongly against such a move.  However, facing cost pressures, Council remained in favour of merging the management and officer teams into one, but still serving two sovereign councils.  The new Chief Executive will inherit a much smaller workforce, but still be the Head of Paid Service for two distinct councils.  We hope to make a recommendation by the end of summer, with the new appointment taking effect from early in the New Year.

Devolution

The Devolution debate rumbles on. Will it, or won’t it come to pass? All of Suffolk’s councils, including Babergh,have agreed to support the deal currently on offer to Norfolk and Suffolkbut four Norfolk councils, including Norwich rejected the deal. The “offer” is potentially very advantageous, with powers, resources and responsibilities being devolved to the region.  The new Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) would be responsible for accelerating growth in the local economy, and improving the life chances and quality of life for residents. The priorities are economic development, housing, infrastructure, transport, employment and skills.

However, many people are wary of a directly elected mayor (acting as chair of the new combined authority)and, without question, this constitutes an additional layer of local government, with its own costs –including staff and consultants – scrutiny and other committees. The proposed governance arrangements include provisionsto precept and couldput a 2% levy on business rates.Councils will be expected to contribute funds and support in kind. Arguments in favour of the deal point to money available to help deliver on core initiatives– including digital connectivity, infrastructure and transport.  These have particular potential to enhance access for disabled and older people, who form a large and increasing percentage of the Norfolk and Suffolk populations. The challenge will be to deliver on the promises.

Norfolk and Suffolk are regarded as a functional economic area, borne out by the successful New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (NALEP).  The new Mayor must develop transport and spatial strategies.  240,000 new homes are proposedfor the two counties by 2036.

Public consultation is now open online and will run until 23^rd August.  This will be supplemented by over 5000 telephone interviews, with the results reported back to the Secretary of State.  A series of deadlines must be met in order to meet the statutory requirements for the mayoral election next May.  However – there are uncertainties raised by four Norfolk councils’ rejection of the deal, the outcome of the EU referendum, and current leadership issues at national government level. The deal and the consultation are now available on: https://www.eastangliadevo.co.uk/ . You can respond online; by email; or download, complete and post a hard copy. Make what you will of the questions and how they are asked.