To agree a scheme of delegation as part of the LEP assurance and accountability framework.

The Committee considered a report setting out the proposed LEP scheme of delegation which was intended to be included as part of the LEP accountability and assurance framework and made available on the LEP website.

The Committee heard that the scheme, if approved, would allow the LEP director, an employee of Shropshire Council, to take certain decisions subject to consultation with the Accountable Body S151 Finance Officer, the LEP Board and the Leaders of the three Partner Authorities.

The requirement to consult ensures that decisions taken take account of the priorities of all of the Partner Authorities without the need to assemble the Joint Committee for every decision. It was felt that this would enable the LEP to meet government expectations on streamlined, timely decision making and allow the LEP to respond more quickly to opportunities which are often very time limited.

The Committee noted that it was important for each Partner Authority to have a clear and common understanding of what the scheme of delegation meant and how it would operate. A guidance note will be prepared, detailing the legal requirements for access to information when the director makes decisions under the scheme, to ensure compliance.

It was agreed that appendix 2, item 5c be reworded to ‘government or other relevant partners’.

It was agreed that a correction be made to appendix 1 that all references to ‘urgent decision or one which cannot be reasonably deferred’ be amended to read ‘urgent decision and one which cannot be reasonably deferred’.

Resolved:

That subject to the two amendments noted above the schemes of delegation in appendix 1 and 2 be approved.