Annual meeting, working

The Assembly held its third Annual Meeting in Woking on 11 July 2001. This Bulletin summarises the day's proceedings, and lists overleaf membership of the Assembly's committees for 2001-02.

David Shakespeare re-elected Chair

Cllr Shakespeare OBE, Leader of Buckinghamshire County Council, was re-elected as the Chair of the Assembly for a second year. The voting was:

Cllr Shakespeare (Conservative) 103
Cllr Silverman (Labour) 80
Void ballots 12

Access to Information

The Assembly approved a new policy on Access to Information. All the Assembly's business is open to public scrutiny, with all formal meetings being open to the public and the papers for them being posted on the web site. In addition, all other Assembly files will be open for inspection. The policy allows for some files relating to personnel or commercial matters to remain confidential. A schedule of fees was agreed towards the costs of distributing hard copies. Anyone can register with the secretariat to receive routine e-mail alerts to the posting of papers on the web site.

Members' allowances

Arrangements to maintain the value of members' allowances were agreed: these will be up-rated each August in line with the cost of living settlement to staff in the preceding April. New allowances were agreed for members of the Regional Planning Committee.

Regional Planning decisions

Planning Chair, Cllr Nick Skellett reported on the work of the Assembly's Planning Committee since February. The Assembly formally agreed views on the advice to ministers regarding the A27 Lancing-Worthing Study and on the response to the Mayor of London on his initial consultation concerning the London Plan. The details of both are available on the Assembly web site.

Annual report and business plan

Copies of the new Annual Report and Business Plan are published on the Assembly web site, and are available in hard copy from the secretariat.

SEEDA gives account

The Assembly received presentations from both SEEDA Chairman Allan Willett and Chief Executive Anthony Dunnett. Allan Willett's speech focused on the contribution made by the region not only to the economic prosperity of the UK as a whole but also to Government finances. The South East makes by far the largest net contribution to the Exchequer - £17bn a year. In view of the Government's dependence on revenues from its largest and most successful region, Mr Willett warned ministers not to jeopardise the continued performance of the South East by failing to invest enough in our region's infrastructure and skills. Explaining the forthcoming negotiations on SEEDA's public service agreement with the Government, Mr Willett insisted that neither the RDA nor its partners could be expected to deliver sustainable growth and prosperity without appropriate levels of public investment.

In response to questions, Mr Willett signalled the importance he attaches to the Assembly's scrutiny role over SEEDA. Directly elected or not, he said, the Assembly's role gives SEEDA both accountability and regional credibility. Allan Willett's speech is published in full on the Assembly web site, and is available in hard copy from the secretariat.

Anthony Dunnett reported to the Assembly on SEEDA's performance over the past year. He anticipated that SEEDA's increased financial flexibility would create opportunities to focus energy and resources to greater effect. The review of the Regional Economic Strategy (RES), which starts in the autumn, will provide a fresh policy framework and set of priorities. The Assembly will be invited to play a central role in developing the new RES.

Access to hastings

Secretary of State, Stephen Byers, has announced his decision on the Access to Hastings package recommended to the Government by the Assembly in February. The most controversial element of the package - the Hastings by-passes - was not approved. The response to this news on the Assembly's behalf is posted on our web site.

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Last updated: 21 August 2007