Agenda item

To provide an update to the Committee on the Audit Wales work programme for Quarter 1

·         Quarterly update up to 30-06-21

·         Progress Review of the North Wales Growth Deal - North Wales Economic Ambition Board

·         Management Response Progress Review of NWEAB

To accept the reports.

Three reports were submitted updating the Committee on the Audit Wales work in Quarter 1.

·         Quarterly Update: up to 30 June 2021

·         Progress Review of the North Wales Growth Deal - North Wales Economic Ambition Board (NWEAB)

·         Managers' response to the progress on EAB's work programme

Alan Hughes (Audit Wales) and Nia Williams (NWEAB) were welcomed to the meeting to present their observations / responses. Reference was made to the Audit Wales work programme and it was highlighted that the programme was an useful summary of local work, national work and the work undertaken by other auditors during this period.

In the context of the progress review of the North Wales Growth Deal (NWEAB), six proposals were submitted for ways in which the councils through the NWEAB could improve their ability to deliver their overall goals.  It was highlighted that the NWEAB had established a clear governance framework, although not all elements were operational, together with a Portfolio Management Office with good resources to support and deliver the work.

A response was presented to the six improvement areas by NWEAB Managers in the form of a work programme with a brief explanation of the plans and work set for delivery.  The work areas were discussed individually and the results were expanded upon to ensure management and progress in the six areas in question.

Thanks was expressed for the report

In response to a question regarding the responses and the 'live' challenges facing the Officers, it was highlighted that a great deal of work was being done to try to keep a balance by setting a realistic timetable and to continue to plan ahead. It was added that the business cases for each project were very challenging and establishing the regional Corporate Joint Committee presented additional challenges. 

In response to a question regarding managing risks, the importance of the risk register was noted and the need to identify risks early together with updating and adapting the register regularly.  In addition to having to establish projects to recover the economy as a result of COVID-19, reference was made to an example of responding to a challenge within the tourism sector of being unable to get staff to work in the sector - the Tourism Talent Project had been adapted to respond to the sector's issues.   In addition, it was highlighted that external factors were also challenging. With the projects being funded by two governments, the grant requirements appeared to be adapted randomly in response to the changes in the priorities of those governments.

In response to a question regarding the substantial resources used to ensure the success of the NWEAB and the need for Gwynedd Council (as the host authority) to be fully compensated, it was noted that it was the responsibility of officers to ensure that the correct sums were claimed.  It was added that purposeful budgets had been set and employment levels were realistic. 

In response to a question regarding the North Wales Mersey Dee Business Council withdrawing from the Partnership, it was noted that the Business Council did not contribute financially to the Partnership and the reason for leaving was due to the work pressures of one individual. However, it was highlighted that a good relationship continued with the Business Council and the Business Council director was very progressive.  An example of events held jointly to promote the Growth Deal was used to highlight a healthy partnership.

In response to a question regarding the relationship of the NWEAB with the Arfor Programme, it was noted that there was a good relationship between the Arfor Programme and the four Wales Growth Deals with a number of similar projects being considered.   As a means to avoid the duplication of work, it was highlighted that sharing good practice regarding scheme developments was very successful.  A suggestion was received that south Gwynedd was likely to receive benefits from being part of the Mid-Wales Growth Deal and this relationship needed to be enhanced. 

RESOLVED

To accept the reports.