This report seeks to establish a Joint Committee, to be known as the Berkshire Prosperity Board.

The Committee considered a report seeking to establish a Joint Committee, to be known as the Berkshire Prosperity Board, to enable Berkshire local authorities to collaborate and help deliver economic ambition.

The report explained that establishing a Joint Committee and sharing common goals across a functional economic area would provide Berkshire local authorities with exciting new opportunities for collaboration on economic development.  It would also provide more flexibility and influence than a single council would have on its own and enable local authorities to speak with one voice to Government and other agencies/organisations to secure funding to help get key projects and initiatives off the ground.  Through collaborative working the Berkshire local authorities would benefit from:

•           Working together to create a shared vision of inclusive and sustainable economic prosperity through working together to address challenges and meet opportunities whilst retaining the sovereignty of each local authority.

•           Having a strengthened case to Government and private investors for funding and greater investment for strategic projects across Berkshire.

•           Acting as a vehicle to commission the Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and others in response to the Government’s review of Local Economic Partnerships.

•           Having a stronger, collective voice in lobbying Government and other agencies. Taking a collaborative mindset in targeting external bodies effectively for the benefit of Berkshire.

•           Advantageously positioning Berkshire in readiness for potential devolution proposals to benefit from additional responsibilities and funding opportunities. Setting up a Berkshire that is better able to efficiently, seize future opportunities and adapt to challenges.

•           Working on six shared themes: health and inequalities, education and skills, affordable housing, sector development, strategic infrastructure and net zero.

•           Transform Berkshire`s productivity through, responsive, agile collaboration.

The report explained that the core members of the Committee would include Bracknell Forest Council, Reading Borough Council, Slough Borough Council, the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, West Berkshire Council and Wokingham Borough Council.  The detail of the draft Constitution and structure of the Joint Committee was provided at Appendix A, Functions and Procedure Rules for a Joint Committee; Appendix B, Responsibilities of the accountable body; and Appendix C the draft governance structure.

Resolved –

            That the following be recommended to Council:

(1)       The establishment of a fully constituted Joint Committee (to be known as the Berkshire Prosperity Board) from May 2024 to deliver a Berkshire-wide vision for inclusive green and sustainable economic prosperity;

(2)       The proposed constitution for the Joint Committee as set out in Appendix A to the report; and

(3)       the responsibilities of the accountable body set out in Appendix B to the report.

Resolved -

(4)       That the draft Governance structure set out in Appendix C be noted;

(5)       That the Assistant Director of Legal and Democratic Services, in consultation with the Director of Finance, the Chief Executive and Leader of the Council be delegated to reach a legally binding Agreement between the member Authorities setting out the supporting arrangements and responsibilities between the Authorities, particularly that between the Lead Authority, known as the Accountable Body and the other member Authorities.