The Mayor introduced the report and explained that he and the Deputy Managing Director had attended meetings with the four other local authority Leaders since September.  The other authorities were Hertsmere Borough Council, St Albans District Council, Three Rivers District Council and Dacorum Borough Council.  The Mayor highlighted the five strategic priorities for the Partnership. 

The Deputy Manging Director commented that the Memorandum of Understanding set out seven principles for common aims between the Partnership and would ensure that each authority had a voice.  There would be work towards a joint plan which would help to deal with growth in this part of Hertfordshire.  The Memorandum of Understanding before Cabinet was the start of the journey and any subsequent decisions on details would be brought back to Cabinet.

Following a question from Councillor Watkin, the Mayor and Deputy Manging Director confirmed that the Partnership would be a good platform in order to put together a combined bid to the LEP to fund infrastructure projects.

Councillor Sharpe stressed the importance of working together in order to achieve investment into infrastructure and to achieve a vision for future change in the area.

Councillor Bell commented that North West Hertfordshire was going to set up a similar body and that the County Council had established a company called Herts for Living to try to build more sustainable housing across the County.  Councillor Bell welcomed councils working together and commented that the County Council should ensure that all districts try to stick to their affordable housing targets where possible.

RESOLVED

That Cabinet endorses the Memorandum of Understanding, in order to provide place leadership for South West Herts and to develop and deliver a vision for the SWHP area up to 2050, promoting healthy and sustainable growth for our communities.