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Approved Framework

Devolution_framework

The purpose of this Framework is to set out Rother District Council’s (RDC) approach to the devolution of assets and/or services to give greater local control and influence and to protect what is most important to local communities.

RDC seeks to be proactive and collaborative in respect of potential asset and service transfers ahead of Local Government Reorganisation (LRG) as part of the Government’s Devolution agenda, responding to the needs and wishes of its local communities and partners.

Scope

The scope of this Framework applies to all types of devolution transfer by the Council; both the devolution of the responsibility for running services and asset transfer. The focus will be on discretionary services and related assets.

Assessments and considerations will be undertaken on a ‘first come, first served’ basis so that the Council can start to understand levels of interest and potential proposals. However, where there are potentially multiple expressions of interest for the same assets/services, the Council may need to balance the competing interests of community and voluntary groups and/or local councils, and an assessment will need to be made as to the option that will deliver most sustainable benefit to the local community. The Council needs to be mindful of any ongoing discussions that are already underway as part of the previous devolution work. Where possible, potential beneficiaries can be brought together in a partnership where this can result in a collective benefit to residents and we would encourage any such opportunities to be explored through the appropriate networks.

These considerations are not negotiations, if assets/services cannot be transferred within these timescales identified within the Framework then they will naturally transfer to the new Unitary Authority. The Council will not re-consider any agreements already made or which are already underway as we will not have the time or capacity to do so.

Exceptions

The purpose of this Framework is to encourage open and honest conversations between the Council, partners, communities and other interested stakeholders. It is on this basis that no exceptions to asset devolution have been specifically identified, however it is likely that in certain circumstances some assets will not be eligible for devolution. This may include:

  • Assets that generate significant income (such as chargeable car parks) or are held to fulfil strategic priorities
  • Assets held for future capital realisation
  • Assets or land held for future development of a Council or partner scheme
  • Vacant land or buildings that can generate a significant capital receipt

In such circumstance RDC would aim to provide clarity as early in the process as possible and/or to identify what alternative arrangements or devolution outcomes may be deliverable. There may be exceptional circumstances whereby the Council will consider transfer of these types of assets where an overall transfer still results in a net saving for the Council, and these will be considered on a case by case basis as required. An indicative lists of likely services/assets for potential transfer can be found within Annex F of the Framework, although this list should not be considered exhaustive.

Expectations of Partners

The Council wishes to take a collaborative approach to any discussions, there will however be the following expectation of partners:

  • To provide any supporting information in a timely fashion and in line with the time frame outlined within this Framework.
  • To cover their own legal/other costs associated with any proposals, including asset condition surveys if required (where not already available).
  • Be able to fund or make provision to fund any assets/services in a sustainable way without support from the Council.

Electronic Submission

Partners will be able to complete and submit both the Expression of Interest (EOI) and Business Plan electronically through this website. PDF versions of both the EOI and Business Plan Template are also available for drafting purposes, but any formal submission needs to be completed and submitted through the online form. Email applications outside of this system will not be accepted. All the documents noted can be accessed via the menus above.

A dedicated email address has been established to support with the process and any related queries and is as follows: Devolution@rother.gov.uk