Issue - meetings

Alwen Williams (Chief Executive) to present the report.

1.     To note the update on the transitional arrangements for the Local Growth Fund since the relevant reports were submitted to the CJC in March and June.

2.     To note that the Year 1 Transition Plan (2026-27) for the Local Growth Fund was submitted on the 9th of June to the Welsh Government by Cyngor Gwynedd as the lead accountable body for Year 1, and that this plan sets out the approach to maintaining continuity from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) while preparing the region for a fully regionalised delivery model under the Corporate Joint Committee (CJC) in Years 2 and 3.

3.     To endorse the proposed programme of work and milestones required before the next meeting of the Economic Well-being Sub-Committee in October 2026, recognising that the preparatory work must begin immediately if the CJC is to be ready to take responsibility for the Local Growth Fund from April 2027 onwards, subject to confirmation from the Welsh Government.

4.     To authorise the officers to proceed with the necessary requirements, including planning, engagement, commissioning and capacity-building work over the summer, using the funding provided by Welsh Government to support preparation for delivery of the Local Growth Fund from 2027/28 onwards, subject to confirmation from the Welsh Government.

The report was presented by the Chief Executive.

DECISION

1.    To note the update on the transitional arrangements for the Local Growth Fund since the relevant reports were submitted to the CJC in March and June.

2.    To note that the Year 1 Transition Plan (2026-27) for the Local Growth Fund was submitted on the 9th of June to the Welsh Government by Cyngor Gwynedd as the lead accountable body for Year 1, and that this plan sets out the approach to maintaining continuity from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) while preparing the region for a fully regionalised delivery model under the Corporate Joint Committee (CJC) in Years 2 and 3.

3.    To endorse the proposed programme of work and milestones required before the next meeting of the Economic Well-being Sub-Committee in October 2026, recognising that the preparatory work must begin immediately if the CJC is to be ready to take responsibility for the Local Growth Fund from April 2027 onwards, subject to confirmation from the Welsh Government.

4.    To authorise the officers to proceed with the necessary requirements, including planning, engagement, commissioning and capacity-building work over the summer, using the funding provided by Welsh Government to support preparation for delivery of the Local Growth Fund from 2027/28 onwards, subject to confirmation from the Welsh Government.

REASONS FOR THE DECISION

To update the Economic Wellbeing Sub-Committee on the Local Growth Fund and to obtain the Sub-Committee's support to progress the work required over the summer to begin planning to meet the Welsh Government's requirements for greater regional collaboration and co-ordination of the fund from 1 April 2027.

DISCUSSION

It was explained that the purpose of the report was to ensure that north Wales was prepared for the Local Growth Fund's exchange arrangements, and the expectations that the Welsh Government set for April 2027 onwards.

It was noted that the report provided an update to Members on developments, whilst also seeking approval for a preparatory work programme when forward planning this change, which would need to be implemented during the summer 2026.

Members were reminded that the Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) was now being replaced by the Local Growth Fund. However, it was stressed that emphasis was placed on productivity growth, balancing economic imbalance whilst also highlighting the need for a more substantial capital budget.

It was reported that the Local Growth Fund implemented three priorities, namely:

·        Supporting competitive and productive businesses

·        Increasing skills and employment opportunities

·        Improving regional infrastructure

It was confirmed that the 2026/27 financial year was being considered by the Welsh Government as a transition year, noting that existing arrangements for the SPF continued to be operational. It was highlighted that Cyngor Gwynedd was the lead authority on the matter for north Wales.

It was declared that Cyngor Gwynedd was the lead authority for the Fund, and they had already received a grant proposal letter for 2026/27 which made it a requirement on the implementation of the pragmatic transitional Transition Plan. Members were reminded that the final  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9