Issue - meetings

Alwen Williams, Chief Executive, and Iain Taylor, AMION Consulting, to present the report.

·       To approve the Annual Delivery Plan's investment allocations for Year 2 and note the Year 1 allocations that will be used as a part of the Year 2 programme.

·       To approve the Investment Zone Programme, including a £4m allocation to the Wrexham University Business Gateway.

·       To authorise the CJC's Section 151 Officer to sign and issue the ADP documents to the UK Government and Welsh Government and make any further non-material amendments necessary to agree the ADP with the UK Government and Welsh Government.

The report was presented by the Chief Executive and IMT Consulting advisor.

DECISION

·       To approve the Annual Delivery Plan's investment allocations for Year 2 and note the Year 1 allocations that would be used as part of the Year 2 programme.

·       To approve the Investment Zone Programme, including a £4m allocation to Wrexham University's Business Gateway project.

·       To authorise the CJC's Section 151 Officer to sign and issue the ADP documents to the UK Government and Welsh Government and make any further non-material amendments necessary to agree the ADP with the UK Government and Welsh Government.

REASONS FOR THE DECISION

Investment Zones were required to agree on an Annual Delivery Plan with the UK Government and Welsh Government in the final quarter of the financial year to secure the annual payment from the Welsh Government in April in every financial year.

DISCUSSION

It was explained that the report noted the proposed Flintshire and Wrexham Investment Zone Year 2 Annual Delivery Plan programme for the 2026/27 financial year. Details were provided on work that had been undertaken during the first year and it was reported on the allocations that had been submitted to the UK Government and Welsh Government for Year 2, confirming that it was expected to be received in April 2026. Pride was expressed that this development ensured the continuity of development and momentum of the first year.

Members were reminded of the developments achieved within the first year, including establishing the governance structure of the Programme, forming the Programme's planning infrastructure as well as the initial development of the priority projects.

Members were guided through the allocations that had been submitted for Year 2, as well as the developments that were expected to be achieved for the Programme. It was emphasised that these targets had been formulated in line with the objectives of the Investment Zone as they related to the themes of infrastructure, skills, innovation and business support.

It was highlighted that this plan placed an emphasised on delivery, and that it reflected the change from the first year which had focused on establishing a robust procedure. A busy year was anticipated of incorporating the projects and procedures during Year 2.

It was reported that the proposed scheme incorporated minor changes agreed within the first year such as allowing £4 million to support Wrexham University's Business Gateway project.

It was confirmed that consultation had been undertaken with the leaders of Flintshire County Council and Wrexham County Council and that their input was having an impact on the governance of the Investment Zone. It was elaborated that consultations were a very important element of the Investment Zone, with every effort being made to ensure that it inspired young people, business owners and that all individuals who could benefit from the Investment Zone were aware of how they could do so. It was noted that some of the projects would be presented to Members to be able to sharpen the best way to promote them more widely.

It  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8