Issue - meetings

To receive a report from the Managing Director (Interim) on the Oxford to Cambridge Pan-Regional Partnership.

Executive Councillor: S Conboy.

The Cabinet has

(a)  approved the participation of Huntingdonshire District Council in the Oxford to Cambridge Partnership (OCP) as it becomes formally recognised and funded by Government as a Pan-Regional Partnership (PRP);

(b)  appointed the Executive Leader as the Council’s representative on the OCP; and

(c)  authorised the Executive Leader, in conjunction with the Managing Director/Corporate Director (Place), to be provided with powers of appointment and delegation to the emerging governance model of the OCP.

Consideration was given to a report by the Interim Managing Director (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) on proposals for a locally led partnership for the Oxford to Cambridge region following approval by Government. The formation of the Oxford to Cambridge Partnership (OCP) will assist in maximising opportunities for businesses unlocking an initial £0.5m of funding to assist the region in a more positive position globally, as well as developing the environmental programme that may assist Huntingdonshire, as well as opening up opportunities for further cross-boundary discussions across the region.

The Council has committed an initial £10k, with no long-term commitment, but it was noted was still emergent in terms of the governance and structures going forward. Reflecting on the comments of Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Environment, Communities and Partnerships) held on 8th June 2023, the Interim Managing Director confirmed the reassurances that were made to the Panel that the OCP was not the Ox-Cam Arc and did not reflect the commitments under this scheme, particularly surrounding housing growth or other aspects previously covered.  

Members expressed their support for participation, in raising the profile for the area and having a key role in cross border negotiations and membership of the OCP which outweighed the risk of not participating, whilst balancing this against the programme of activities and requirement for the development of new homes.

The Executive Councillor for Climate and Environment expressed concern with the proposal, particularly the potential effects on the local environment with growth in the economy, risks in the administration of the partnership, although balanced against a pan-regional public transport project that would have the effect of reducing carbon emissions.   

In concluding, the Executive Leader supported the concerns raised but
re-emphasised the difference between the OCP and the former Ox-Cam Arc project and believed that the Council should be participating with the ability to influence development of the OCP, whilst acknowledging the need for housing development, balanced against economic growth through a sustainable approach and reserved the right of the Council to re-consider their position of participation going forward.

Whereupon, the Cabinet has

RESOLVED

(a)  to approve the participation of Huntingdonshire District Council in the Oxford to Cambridge Partnership (OCP) as it becomes formally recognised and funded by Government as a Pan-Regional Partnership (PRP);

(b)  to appoint the Executive Leader as the Council’s representative on the OCP; and

(c)  to authorise the Executive Leader, in conjunction with the Managing Director/Corporate Director (Place), to be provided with powers of appointment and delegation to the emerging governance model of the OCP.

The Panel is invited to comment on the Oxford to Cambridge Pan-Regional  Partnership Report.

Executive Councillor: S Conboy

By means of a report by the Interim Managing Director (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) the Oxford to Cambridge Pan-Regional Partnership Report was presented to the Panel.

Councillor Kerr enquired on the differences between the proposal and the previous OxCamb Arc, following which, the Panel heard the previous group was no longer in existence. The Panel were reassured that the new proposal was a lot leaner, which a much clearer focus on the environmental benefits for the area.

In response to a question from Councillor Alban, the Panel heard that whilst the Council did not expect to have representatives on every board, the opportunity for Hunts to have a strong voice would remain. The Panel were assured that recent concerns expressed by Bedfordshire residents were linked to an East-West Rail project, and not linked with this proposal which would seek strong community engagement.

Councillor Shaw observed a £10,000 commitment for the coming year and enquired what this would look like in the future. The Panel heard that whilst this was still unknown, the Council would be able to monitor the benefits of the Partnership and an exit strategy would be in place without financial penalty should it be required.

Following a query from Councillor Kerr about what benefits Council involvement in the Partnership would bring, the Panel heard that this would be monitored in relation to the twin priorities of economic growth and environmental benefit, involvement within the Partnership would allow the Council to be part of the conversation, and thus allow for input and influence as part of that.

In response to an enquiry from Councillor Bywater regarding anticipated timescales, the Panel heard that draft versions were in development with the expectation of being concluded by the Autumn. As part of the action planning and progress forward, the Panel would be kept updated.

It was thereupon

RESOLVED

that the comments of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel be passed to Cabinet for their consideration when making a decision upon the recommendations contained within the report.