To approve governance arrangements for the joint exercise of executive functions in relation to the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership (the LEP).

Cabinet considered a report setting out proposed governance arrangements for the joint exercise of executive functions in relation to the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership (the LEP). It was noted that the proposed arrangements were strongly encouraged by government.

In response to questions raised by a member in attendance the Assistant Director Governance advised:

• The governance proposals were entirely in support of democratic accountability and transparency;
• The proposals related to executive functions rather than Council functions
• Access to information requirements would apply in relation to the joint executive committee as with any other body of the local authority
• The LEP board was not itself a decision-making body
• A joint scrutiny committee had been proposed but was not currently supported by the other local authority partners; this did not preclude individual authorities’ overview & scrutiny committees from fulfilling their own functions.

RESOLVED THAT:

(a)       the establishment of a joint committee to exercise executive functions in relation to the Marches LEP be approved;

(b)         The proposed constitution for the joint committee, as outlined at appendix A, be approved; and

(c)         Herefordshire Council provide governance support for the LEP joint arrangements.