Encouraging commissioners to work collaboratively

Embed a place-based approach in the devolution agenda

A place-based approach is a holistic and collaborative way of working, integrating the unique characteristics of areas and tailoring interventions to address local needs. Spatial Development Strategies (SDSs), as set out in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, will incorporate this approach, and the work of commissioners and mayoral teams should reflect this. 

We have also seen a focus on place throughout the Government’s recent policy publications and strategies, with the 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy supporting the development of place-based business cases, as well as the launch of the Pride of Place Strategy and the Industrial Strategy being “unashamedly place-based”.

Collaboration is one of the foundations of a place-based approach, and we’ve seen this way of working encouraged across Government policy – so why aren’t we also encouraging commissioners to work collaboratively towards a shared goal which addresses the needs of constituents?

The Bill should encourage the conditions whereby collaborative, place-based working can take place. As it stands, Schedule 3 states that a commissioner’s work may relate ‘incidentally’ to areas of competence outside their own. This wording is vague and does not go far enough in encouraging collaborative working and could even discourage commissioners from working across competencies. The competencies outlined in the Bill should not be viewed or managed within silos. This narrow approach would limit their effectiveness as they naturally intersect and impact one another. 

Schedule 3 should be amended to introduce provisions for commissioners to operate a place-based approach, working collaboratively across competencies to work towards a shared spatial vision.

Drafted amendment text:

Schedule 3, page 128, line 32, at the end omit the full stop, insert a comma and, starting on a new line, insert- 

“or prevent the commissioner from operating collaboratively with other commissioners across different areas of competence, recognising that the work of commissioners will often intersect and benefit from integrated working with a spatial lens to meet the needs of, and drive positive outcomes for specific places as a whole.” 

Member’s explanatory statement 

This amendment broadens the scope of paragraph 4 of this Schedule to ensure that commissioners appointed by the mayor for the area of a combined authority are not only permitted to work incidentally across areas of competence but are also encouraged to do so collaboratively and with a spatial, place-based perspective. 

This amendment should also be mirrored at Schedule 3, page 121, line 9, to be appliable to CCAs.