Agenda and minutes

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Items
No. Item

45.

Declarations of Interest, if any.

Minutes:

Councillor Kevin Rodgers declared an interest in agenda item 4 by virtue of being a Member of Yorkshire Devolution Movement.

46.

Doncaster Devolution Proposal - The Holding of a Community Poll. pdf icon PDF 225 KB

Minutes:

Council received a report seeking approval to hold a “Community Poll” seeking the views of the Doncaster Electorate about the next stages in Devolution proposal.

 

In introducing this item Deputy Mayor, Councillor Glyn Jones stated that:-

 

“Today the Council is discussing regional devolution and the potential for holding a borough-wide poll of residents in Doncaster. As you know, regional devolution is a vitally important issue. It has been discussed a number of times in this Chamber and with Elected Members over the last two years.

 

Devolution will impact on our residents, businesses and our borough for the next 30 years or more, so we must aim to get the best possible deal for Doncaster. Colleagues will recall that in 2015 when the Government was pursuing ‘City Region’ devolution deals, Doncaster Council agreed to be a part of the Sheffield City Region proposal.

 

However, since then, a number of things have changed:

 

·         The UK has voted for Brexit

·         Chesterfield and Bassetlaw no longer want to become full members of the Sheffield City Region

·         The Government has agreed new devolution models; and

·         Yorkshire Councils have brought forward proposals for a wider Yorkshire devolution agreement.

 

We are clear that Doncaster must not be left out of the devolution process, something that Council has supported.

 

However, given the changing circumstances, the Mayor and Council colleagues have indicated that they would like the opportunity to explore a wider Yorkshire devolution agreement.

 

Indeed, in addition to cross-party support within Doncaster Council, proposals for a wider Yorkshire agreement are backed by Doncaster Chamber of Commerce, the CBI, Institute of Directors, TUC and our MPs.

 

In a recent survey, 70% of local businesses also said they would prefer to ultimately be part of a Yorkshire devolution deal.

 

Of course, the one group of people who have not had the chance to express their preferred option moving forward, are Doncaster’s residents and they are the most important stakeholder of all.

 

Unfortunately the Mayor is unable to attend Council today. She has asked me to pass on her apologies. However, she has asked me to reiterate her support for a Community Poll.

 

Given the cost, it is not something we would do over every issue. However, this is an important change which will impact Doncaster and change governance arrangements in our region.

 

We therefore need to be very clear about Doncaster’s position moving forward and feel confident that it has the support of local residents and businesses.

 

As a Council, we will do our best to achieve their ambitions. We’ve already heard from businesses, trade unions and politicians on the issue. Now we need to hear from local people.

 

I can also confirm to colleagues that this morning Barnsley Council has unanimously approved a similar poll of its residents with the support of their Labour, Conservative and Independent Councillors so I recommend this report to Council”.

 

The Chair of Council, Councillor George Derx, then afforded all Members in the Chamber the opportunity of commenting on the report and the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 46.