A new cabinet post focussing on the Greater Cambridge City Deal has been created by South Cambridgeshire District Council, with Cllr Francis Burkitt taking up the role.

Currently a Greater Cambridge City Deal Assembly member, a recommendation will also be made at next week’s full South Cambridgeshire District Council meeting on 28 January to appoint Cllr Burkitt to the Greater Cambridge City Deal Executive Board, with existing board member – Council leader Ray Manning – appointed as deputy.

The new post on the Council’s main policy-making body, and proposed Executive board appointment, are being put forward as the Greater Cambridge City Deal work programme begins to gather pace.

Talking about the decision, Cllr Ray Manning said: “With the City Deal work programme starting to move up a gear, a dedicated cabinet member will be able to give their full attention and input to the important schemes being put in place to benefit people who live and work across Greater Cambridge.

“Through both his Assembly role and work with local communities on City Deal transport consultations, Cllr Burkitt has already shown his commitment to finding workable solutions to the challenges and opportunities South Cambridgeshire and Greater Cambridge face, and I welcome him to the Cabinet.

“As leader of South Cambridgeshire District Council I will of course remain involved with the City Deal representing the district, as well as continuing to work closely with my counterparts at Cambridge City and Cambridgeshire County Councils and other partners.”

Cllr Francis Burkitt, who is the District councillor for the Barton ward, said: “I am very pleased to accept this new post and look forward to working with my fellow cabinet members, City Deal partners and local communities. With momentum building, this is an exciting point to take on this portfolio; turning positive and constructive dialogue into practical and beneficial improvements for the Greater Cambridge area.”

Cllr Steve Count, Leader of Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “I would like to thank Council Leader Ray Manning, not only for his tireless work on the City Deal board to date, but especially for being at the forefront of the initial negotiations.  He was a primary force in the discussions with Government which secured this excellent and nationally envied deal for the people of the greater Cambridge region.

"I look forward to welcoming and working with Cllr. Burkitt who has already made excellent contributions through his work on the assembly.”

Councillor Lewis Herbert, Leader of Cambridge City Council and Chair of the City Deal Board added: “I would like to thank Councillor Ray Manning for his contribution in the first year of the City Deal Board including as Vice Chairman, and also the huge contribution he made towards securing the Government City Deal transport funding in the first place.

“We will also welcome Francis at our AGM as he has already shown his commitment on the City Deal Assembly and as an active contributor of new ideas on tackling congestion.”

South Cambridgeshire District Council

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