Issue - meetings

The Chair of the Strategic Transport sub-committee to present report.

To approve the following changes to the Terms of Reference of the Strategic Transport Sub-committee:

·       That the requirement to produce a quarterly progress report is replaced with bi-annual reporting.

·       That the sub-committee have the delegated power to consider and make
recommendations to the CJC on regional transport funding and scheme commitments.

To note the feedback from the sub-committee’s self-assessment questionnaire.

The report was presented by the Chair of the Strategic Transport Sub-committee, Councillor David Bithell.

RESOLVED:

To approve the following changes to the Terms of Reference of the Strategic Transport Sub-committee: 

·       That the requirement to produce a quarterly progress report be replaced by bi-annual reporting.

·       That the sub-committee had the delegated power to consider and make recommendations to the CJC on regional transport funding and plan commitments. 

To note the feedback from the sub-committee’s self-assessment questionnaire.

DISCUSSION

The report was presented noting gratitude for the opportunity to present this as Chair of the Sub-Committee. It was noted that he was reporting back on two reports that had been discussed on 15 December, namely adjustments to the Terms of Reference and reporting back on positive responses received from the Sub-Committee's self-assessment questionnaire.

It was highlighted that the decision sought delegated powers to consider and make recommendations to the CJC on regional transport funding and recently developed plan commitments in the implementation of the Regional Transport Plan. It was explained that the Welsh Government had shared guidance on the development of the Regional Transport Fund (RTF), which had supported the development of a programme of plans to deliver the Regional Transport Delivery Plan.

Thanks were extended for the report, and it was highlighted that only five members had responded to the self-assessment questionnaire. On behalf of the 6th member it was asked whether a new member had had the opportunity to respond, and whether there was support for new members to be aware of their role and responsibilities. In response, it was noted that the member was new, but that as members they felt there was support but work was continuing to develop to ensure that members received support for their role and responsibilities.

Concerns had been expressed, as in this Committee, of the conflict between work on the Committees and the Sub-committees and their roles locally as Cabinet Members. But it was highlighted that valid points had been raised in the self-assessment, and it was asked whether this would be further reported. It was stated that the response was an internal document to ensure that the necessary support and information was given to members. But as the work progressed there would be a need to look at whether the good practice highlighted could be shared with the Welsh Government.