Decision Maker: Council

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: January 22, 2025

Purpose:

Content: RESOLVED: 1.             That this Council notes: a)            The Government white paper on English devolution was published on 16th December 2024. b)            That the Leader of the Council has been in discussions with members of the South Midlands Authorities Board (Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire, Luton Borough, West Northamptonshire and North Northamptonshire) about forming a Mayoral Strategic Authority. c)             That the Government has invited the proposed South Midlands area to join the Devolution Priority Programme with the intention to establish a Mayoral Strategic Authority with a Mayoral election in 2026. d)            That all South Midlands authorities, including this Council, were required to notify the Government by the 10th of January if they are minded to agree to establishing a Mayoral Strategic Authority. 2.             That this Council agrees: a)            With the principle of Devolution and the benefits of bringing decision making to a local forum. b)            That an elected Mayor is the most appropriate governance of this proposed authority. c)             The only criteria for deciding the makeup of any proposed authority should be what would be in the best interests of Milton Keynes, not what would be in the best interests of any one political party or any individual. 3.             That this Council requests: a)            The Leader to bring any further decisions and updates on the progress of the proposed Mayoral Strategic Authority to Full Council. b)            The Leader to confirm that this Council would not support and would actively challenge any proposals that do not include a directly elected Mayor.