Purpose

Update on the progress of Buckinghamshire's
Level 2 devolution deal framework and approval to submit the
readiness criteria for devolution of the Adult Skills Fund to
DfE

Content

Government announced ambitions
plans for devolution in its Devolution White Paper in December
2024. These would see significant changes to local governance
including establishment of regional Strategic Authorities as well
as local government reorganisation for all remaining two-tier
areas. Much of the details of the scope and role of new strategic
authorities remained to be set out by government.
 
Within this wider context the
existing Buckinghamshire devolution framework was progressing on
two areas; the Adult Skills Fund and
Homes England Compulsory Purchase Powers (CPO). Managing the Adult
Skills Fund would be a new function for the council to manage
whilst the CPO powers, although new, would provide additional
application of powers already held. This paper sought approval of
the draft readiness criteria for the Adult Skills Fund that must be
submitted to the Department for Education in May; and authority was
delegated to the Chief Executive Officer, in consultation with the
Leader, to consent to the legislation changes required for the
Homes England Compulsory Purchase Powers to be devolved.
 
Additionally due to
Buckinghamshire’s devolution status as a Foundation Strategic
Authority, plans were progressing to launch the Connect to Work
programme later this year.
 
RESOLVED
 

·      
That the details of the progress of
Buckinghamshire’s Level 2 devolution deal framework be
noted.
 

·      
That the finalisation of the letter in
appendix 1 required to submit the readiness criteria for devolution
of the Adult Skills Fund to DfE in May be delegated to the
Corporate Director for Resources in consultation with the Cabinet
Member for Education and Children's Service
 

·      
That the Chief Executive Officer, in
consultation with the Leader, be given delegated authority to
consent to legislation making for the Compulsory Purchase Powers
due to the tight turnaround of the parliamentary
process.
 

·      
That a supplementary budget change to
add £150k Adult Education implementation grant to the
Council’s Revenue MTFP be agreed.
 

·      
That the proposed use of £177k
of the Mitigating Financial Risks Reserve to support implementation
of the deal be noted.