Venue: Ystafell Madog, Coleg Llandrillo, Ffordd Llandudno, Rhos on Sea LL28 4HZ
Contact: Annes Sion 01286 679490
No. | Item |
---|---|
APOLOGIES Minutes: Members were welcomed to
the meeting an apologies were given by Judith Greenhalgh (Denbighshire
Council), David Jones (Coleg Cambria), Iwan Davies (Conwy County Borough
Council), Vice Chancellor Prof. Graham Upton (Bangor University), Dafydd Edwards
(Section 151 Officer) and Dr Gwynne Jones (Isle of Anglesey County Council). |
|
DECLARATION OF PERSONAL INTEREST To receive any declarations of Personal Interest Minutes: The Lead Director and the Senior Executive Officer left the meeting for
the urgent item due to an interest. |
|
URGENT BUSINESS Decision: To re-advertise the post with a
salary set at between £86,000 and a maximum of £106,000 subject to a report on
the proposed salary to the Full Council of the Accountable Body which will host
the post Minutes: It was noted that there was one urgent item to discuss - Appointment of
Programme Director. Resolved to discuss this item at the end of the meeting. |
|
UPDATE OF THE WORK PROGRAMME PDF 166 KB Report by Iwan Trefor Jones – Lead Director
(attached). Additional documents:
Decision: Review,
update and approve the RAG status of all actions within the Work Programme. Minutes: The report was presented by Iwan Trefor Jones, Lead Director. DECISION Review, update and approve the RAG status of all actions within the Work
Programme. REASONS FOR THE DECISION There is a need to update the progress of tasks on the Work Programme. DISCUSSION The report was submitted, noting that the Board was getting closer to
Heads of Terms for the Growth Deal and that it would be possible to sign them
before the end of July. It was noted that a Challenge Session with the Private
Sector and UK Government and Welsh Government Ministers had now been held which
had been positive with constructive feedback.
Attention was drawn to £7 million which had been approved by the
Government's Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport as part of the
Local Full Fibre Network Programme. It was added that the Digital Programme
Manager post had been advertised. It was noted that an update letter had been sent to Ken Skates AM, Alun
Cairns MP and Kevin Foster MP following the previous meeting, and that similar
correspondence would be sent following every meeting of the NWEAB. Observations arising from the discussion ¾
The challenge meetings
were discussed, noting that the session with the Private Sector was positive
with constructive suggestions given. ¾
The importance of
signing Heads of Terms before the end of July was stressed. ¾
It was noted that there
was a need to stress and convey that everyone had a role to play to ensure that
the Growth Deal worked, not only the authorities. ¾
Concerns were expressed
about some of the projects that were in the second phase, as some companies
were ready to make financial contributions. It was noted that there was a need
to be flexible with projects and take advantage of opportunities when they
arose. It was added that challenge sessions for the second phase projects would
be held shortly. ¾
It was noted that a
timeframe was needed for the decisions which will need to be made by the
authorities in order to programme them in their Cabinet and Full Council
meeting arrangements. ¾
Attention was drawn to
the simple newsletter which had been created but it was noted that additional
information was needed with reference to the 14 projects and specifically with
scrutiny in every edition, complete with an update on every project. |
|
PROGRAMME OFFICE STRUCTURE PDF 190 KB Report by Iwan Trefor Jones – Lead Director
(attached). Additional documents: Decision: To approve the core
structure of the Programme Office as set out in the report and move to recruit
on condition that it does not add to the core financial contributions of the
Councils and Partners. Minutes: The report was presented by Iwan Trefor Jones, Lead Director. DECISION To approve the core
structure of the Programme Office as set out in the report and move to recruit
on condition that it does not add to the core financial contributions of the
Councils and Partners. REASONS FOR THE DECISION In order to progress the development and
delivery of the Growth Vision and Growth Deal, a Programme Office will need to
be established. The Programme Office will be responsible for supporting the
activities of the North Wales Economic Ambition Board and will also be
responsible for progressing key elements of the Growth Deal. DISCUSSION The report was submitted noting that the
principle of the Programme Office had been accepted by the Joint-Committee but
that there was a need to proceed. It was added that various sources were
funding the Programme Office but the aim was to be self-funding within five
years. The Programme Office needed to be developed in order to proceed with
developing and delivering the Growth Vision.. Further information was given about the
financial streams used to part-fund the Programme Office costs, specifically
the bid for ESF Funding as well as the element of capitalising projects on a
scale of approximately 0.75% - 1%. It was added that the low level of
capitalisation would ensure that the core funding of the Growth Deal would be
used specifically on projects. Observations arising from the discussion ¾ As many of
the first phase projects were ready, there was a need to move on to start
recruiting. ¾ Attention
was drawn to the fact that no administrative element had been included in the
staffing structure. ¾ There was a
discussion regarding financing the programme office and members noted that they
were happy with capitalising projects on a scale of approximately 0.75% - 1%
for staffing costs. It was noted that they agreed to proceed but on condition
that the Councils and Partners would not have to make further financial
contributions. |
|
DELEGATION AND STAFFING PDF 168 KB Report by Iwan Evans, Monitoring Officer
(attached). Decision: It
was confirmed that the staffing structure of the Programme Office during the
continuation of Governance Agreement 1 (“GA1”) shall be determined by the North
Wales Economic Ambition Board. It
was agreed to delegate the responsibility of appointing posts on the approved
staffing structure below Minutes: The report was presented by Iwan Evans, Monitoring Officer - Accountable
Body. DECISION It was confirmed
that the staffing structure of the Programme Office during the continuation of
Governance Agreement 1 (“GA1”) shall be determined by the North Wales Economic
Ambition Board. It was agreed to
delegate the responsibility of appointing posts on the approved staffing
structure below Programme Director level to the Programme Director and in the
interim period, to the Chief Executive of the Accountable Body in accordance
with the report. REASONS FOR THE DECISION Under GA1 the North Wales Economic Ambition Board has power to delegate
its functions to Sub-Committees and/or Officers. One of the key elements of the
project is the establishment and management of the Programme Office. Although
the staff are legally employees of the Accountable Body they constitute a
regional resource for the NWEAB and are established and resourced through the
Joint Committee budget. The NWEAB therefore needs to set out clear principles
in relation to these arrangements. DISCUSSION The report was submitted and the decision and the need to delegate
powers to the Programme Director to appoint staff was noted. Observations arising from the discussion ¾ It was noted
that this matter was an operational matter as the decision related to who would
appoint to posts and not the staffing structure. It was added that the posts
would be appointed via the Accountable Body. |
|
TRANSPORT UPDATE AND PROGRESS WITH ESTABLISHING A TRANSPORT SUB-GROUP PDF 207 KB Report by Iwan Prys Jones – Programme Manager
NWEAB (attached). Additional documents:
Decision: 1.
To note the report and the progress made to establish the Transport
Delivery Sub-Board 2.
To ratify the acceptance of the funding support offered by WG and
authorise the signing of the grant offer letter by the Host Authority. Minutes: The report was submitted by Councillor David Bithell.
RESOLVED To note the
report and the progress made to establish the Transport Delivery Sub-Board To ratify the
acceptance of the funding support offered by WG and authorise the signing of
the grant offer letter by the Host Authority. REASONS FOR THE DECISION The NWEAB has decided to establish a Transport Delivery Sub-board and a
report was provided on the progress on implementing the decision together with
the work of the existing Transport Group as it transfers to the formal
structure. The most urgent matters in
relation to the regional bus network and the follow up to the consultation on
the White Paper on Improving Public Transport were reported upon. In order to respond to an offer of a grant received from Welsh
Government for research regarding developing the proposals of the White Paper on
Improving Public Transport. DISCUSSION The report was submitted noting the background of the Transport
Sub-group and noting that when the Regional Transport Consortia had been
dissolved in 2014, Cabinet members had continued to meet informally. It was
added that they were now eager to have formal governance arrangements for the
next meeting of the group. An outline of the Sub-group's most recent work was given, emphasising a
regional Bus Network, decarbonisation of transport and pilot projects together
with implementing 20 mile per hour zones. Observations arising from the discussion ¾
It was stressed that
the joint-working seemed to be positive. ¾
A member asked for
clarity on the projects as some of the Growth Visions’ schemes were ones that
should be undertaken by Welsh Government and Local Authorities. It was noted
that many large and small developments were being carried out in order to see
integration across the region such as developing a Public Transport Strategy. ¾
Some of the projects
were discussed, stressing that transport was a central part of economic
development. |
|
SKILLS AND EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMME, NORTH WALES GROWTH VISION PDF 295 KB Report by Iwan Trefor Jones – Lead Director and
Sioned Williams – Deputy Chair of the Regional Skills Partnership (attached). Decision: To
defer the decision of funding one FTE post (£50,000 for 12 months) to continue
work on Information & Advice Gateway and Employability Pathway projects in
order to take the opportunity to consider the projects in light of the Skills
Strategy which will be submitted to the Board shortly, investigate and have
discussions with Welsh and UK Government about the field. To
defer confirmation of the approach to coordinate the skills and employability
programme and seek further information and clarity in relation to the Skills
and Employment programme. Minutes: The report was presented by Iwan Trefor Jones, Lead Director. RESOLVED To defer the decision of funding one FTE post
(£50,000 for 12 months) to continue work on Information & Advice Gateway and
Employability Pathway projects in order to take the opportunity to consider the
projects in light of the Skills Strategy which will be submitted to the Board
shortly, investigate and have discussions with Welsh and UK Government about
the field. To defer confirmation of the approach to
coordinate the skills and employability programme and seek further information
and clarity in relation to the Skills and Employment programme. REASONS FOR THE DECISION The Joint-committee requested further
information and clarity in relation to the Skills and Employment programme
prior to making a decision on the matter. DISCUSSION The report was submitted and the five key projects were noted as well as
the fact that a clear work programme was in place to proceed with the projects.
It was added that the programme would proceed with the Information and Advice
Gateway and Employability Pathway projects, but that additional resources were
needed to enable the work to move ahead. It was noted that substantial work had
been done which showed good practice in the fields. Observations arising from the discussion ¾ Concerns
were raised about the need to obtain resources to move ahead with the two
projects: Information and Advice Gateway and the Employability Pathway. It was
added that there were concerns that this would duplicate work by Welsh
Government. ¾ It was noted
that it was premature to make a decision and that more clarity was needed on
the two projects, as well as discussions with Welsh Government about its role
within the projects together with the relationship between the NWEAB and the
Regional Skills Partnership. |
|
ESTABLISHMENT OF ENERGY SUB-GROUP AND UPDATE ON REGIONAL ENERGY PLANNING PDF 186 KB Report by Rhys Horan – Strategic Lead, Welsh
Government Energy Service (attached). Additional documents: Decision: 1. 1. To establish an Energy Sub-Group with
the Role and Terms of Reference set out in Appendix 1 of the report. 2. 3. 2..Appoint Cllr Llinos Medi, Leader of
Anglesey Council as a member of the North Wales Economic Ambition Board to act
as a link member for the Energy Sub-group. Minutes: The report was submitted by Rhys Horan, Strategic Leader - Welsh
Government Energy Service. RESOLVED 1. To establish an Energy
Sub-Group with the Role and Terms of Reference set out in Appendix 1 of the
report. 2. To appoint Cllr Llinos
Medi, Leader of Anglesey Council as a member of the North Wales Economic
Ambition Board to act as a link member for the Energy Sub-group. REASONS FOR THE DECISION To improve the co-ordination of energy-related projects within the
region and to deliver the Low Carbon Energy target as identified in the Growth
Vision. That the status of the Sub-group be developed as part of the review of
the governance arrangements to be established in Governance Agreement 2. DISCUSSION It was noted that climate emergency declarations had been made recently
and it was stressed that North Wales needed to be at the forefront in relation
to energy. It was added that work needed to be carried out on regional energy
planning and developing the vision and for the Ambition Board to take ownership
of the projects. Observations arising from the discussion ¾ The
Sub-group's place within the NWEAB framework was outlined, noting that it would
be an Advisory Board. ¾ The
membership of the board was discussed, specifically Natural Resources Wales,
noting that it may be challenging for them as they are a regulator. ¾ It was
emphasised that local benefits needed to be ensured with any low carbon energy. |
|
EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC Minutes: RESOLVED To exclude the press and public from the meeting during the discussion
on the following item due to the likely disclosure of exempt information as
defined in paragraph 12, Section 4, Schedule 12A, Local Government Act 1972.
This paragraph is relevant as the report contains information about specific
individuals who have the right to privacy.
There is no public interest that calls for disclosing personal
information about these individuals which would outweigh the rights of these
individuals. Consequently, the public
interest falls in favour of maintaining the exemption. |
|
APPOINTMENT OF PROGRAMME DIRECTOR Minutes: DECISION To re-advertise the post with a salary set at between £86,000 and a
maximum of £106,000 subject to a report on the proposed salary to the Full
Council of the Accountable Body which will host the post. REASONS FOR THE DECISION Members of the North Wales
Economic Ambition Board noted, following the failure to appoint a Programme
Director, that there was a need to re-advertise in order to make the key
appointment of the Programme Director as soon as possible, ensuring that the
recruitment process and arrangements are effective and robust. In order to address the
statutory guidance "Pay Accountability within Local Government in Wales -
Guidance under Section 40 of the Localism Act 2011". DISCUSSION It was reported following recent interviews that there was no
appointment to the programme Director Post, and as a result there was a
decision on the way forward. Observations arising from the discussion ¾
It was noted that there
was a need to advertise as soon as possible in order for the period without a
Programme Director in place to be as short as possible. ¾
The maximum salary was
decided and it was noted that the Board would accept a secondment to the post
also to encourage interest. |