For Cabinet to agree the process of local management of services by town councils / city council (the local councils) through a programme of devolved services, outlining priority areas and related asset transfers.

THAT:

the Director for Economy, Communities and Corporate Services in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Corporate and Assets, Enterprise and Culture and relevant portfolio leads as appropriate, be authorised to conclude negotiations with the town councils and city council on priority areas for the first phase of devolved services within a three month period.

A three month period of negotiations is suggested to enable opportunities and risks to be assessed by the town councils.  This approach sets a time scale whilst giving local councils first opportunities on services and assets in accordance with existing powers to operate services.  As part of a wider approach to devolved services if after the three month period negotiations are inconclusive opportunities for services management and asset transfer to be pursued with community groups or private sector where relevant.

That the devolved services programme focuses on community asset transfer.  This would create a concentrated effort on progressing capital transfer, but would limit the potential for increasing local delivery of services and for generating budget efficiencies.