Decision details

To agree a partnership Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Gloucestershire County Council to demonstrate support for a level two devolution county deal for Gloucestershire.

As part of the Levelling Up Bill 2023, upper tier authorities were identified as the lead councils for devolution. In Gloucestershire’s case this is Gloucestershire County Council. GCC is seeking a level two County devolution deal to be agreed with HM Government. To support the delivery terms of the level two deal, an MOU was developed between GCC and the respective District Councils to support two key areas relating to UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Regeneration ambitions. The MOU sets out that CBC will continue to have oversight of UKSPF and that matters relating to land assembly or compulsory purchase will also require agreement of CBC. In summary, the MOU helps to recognise the partnership between GCC and CBC and the position and powers of District authorities within a level two county deal.

No other options were considered as GCC is the upper tier authority and District Authorities cannot negotiate devolution deals. The MOU therefore is the only reasonable mechanism to recognise and set out how the partnership between GCC and District Councils in Gloucestershire will operate within the level two County Deal.