Issue - meetings

Hedd Vaughan-Evans (Head of Operation) to present the report.

To note the Quarter 4 Performance Report and updated Portfolio Risk Register.

To approve the submission of the Quarter 4 Performance Report to the Welsh Government and UK Government as well as the local authority scrutiny committees.

The report was submitted by the Head of Operations and the Programme Managers elaborated on the highlights of individual programmes.

RESOLVED

To note the Quarter 4 Performance Report and updated Portfolio Risk Register.

To approve the submission of the Quarter 4 Performance Report to Welsh Government and UK Government as well as the local authority scrutiny committees,

REASONS FOR THE DECISION

To submit the Growth Deal’s Quarter 4 Report (January to March) and updated Portfolio Risk Register. ⁠

Quarterly reporting on progress against the North Wales Growth Deal is one of the requirements of the Final Growth Deal Agreement. Following the North Wales Economic Ambition Board's consideration, the reports are shared with the Welsh Government, UK Government as well as the local authority scrutiny committees.

DISCUSSION

⁠The Growth Deal's Quarter 4 Performance and Risk Report was outlined and a presentation was given by the programme managers who provided a summary of the progress in relation to their individual programmes. An update was provided on the Digital Programme where it was noted that the outline business case for the 4G Connected Key Sites and Corridors had now been approved by the Economic Ambition Board. There was reference to the LPWAN project noting the need to carry out more work on the economic case before mentioning the appointment of Annog Cyf. by the Economic Ambition Board.

·        ⁠Members asked about the appointment of Annog Cyf. and whether there was an announcement or a launch in the pipeline. It was confirmed that the company would hold a public launch the following week and that they were working on the messages and regional balance. ⁠It was reported that social media would publicise it and there would be direct contact with the rural communities. It was noted that the Project Management Office would update the Board on any developments.

An update was provided on the Low Carbon Energy Programme which explained the position of each project such as the Hydrogen Hub and Cydnerth amongst others up to the end of quarter 4. It was noted that the Trawsfynydd project had not been included as there was not much to report on up to the end of Quarter 4. It was added that this project remained under red status due to the uncertainty whether the project would be realised within the Growth Deal period. It was noted that the Project Management Office was in discussions with Cwmni Egino and would ask for an explanation from the Government as it began mapping potential options for the Board to consider should the project be withdrawn from the Growth Deal.

·        Disappointment was expressed in relation to the Trawsfynydd project and there was concern that the Government was making political decisions rather than decisions based on fact or technology. It was noted there would be further considerations on what would replace the Trawsfynydd project should it be withdrawn.

A report was provided on the Land and Property Programme and an update was provided on projects such as Parc Bryn Cegin  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6