Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

To elect a Chair for 2026-27.

To elect Councillor Mark Pritchard as Chair for 2026/27.

It was resolved to elect Councillor Mark Pritchard as Chair for 2026/27.

To elect a Vice-chair for 2026-27.

To elect Councillor Jason McLellan as Vice-Chair.

It was resolved to elect Councillor Jason McLellan as Vice-chair for 2026/27.

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from:

·        Professor Edmund Burke (Bangor University) with Chris Drew deputising.

·        Professor Joe Yates (Wrexham University) with Laura Gaugh deputising.

·        Yana Williams (Coleg Cambria)

·        Aled Jones-Griffith (Grŵp Llandrillo Menai)

·        Neal Cockerton (Flintshire County Council)

·        Dafydd Gibbard (Cyngor Gwynedd) with Sioned Williams deputising

·        Alwyn Jones (Wrexham County Borough Council) with Andrew Harradine deputising.

To receive anyd declaration of personal interest.

A declaration of personal interest was received from Councillor Gary Pritchard (Isle of Anglesey County Council) for Item 7. It was noted that this was not a prejudicial interest and he did not withdraw from the meeting for the discussion.

A declaration of personal interest was received from Councillor Gary Pritchard (Isle of Anglesey County Council) for Item 11, as he is a board member of Menter Môn in his role as Council Leader. It was noted that it was not a prejudicial interest and he did not leave the meeting during the discussion.

To note any items that are a matter of urgency in the view of the Chair for consideration.

None to note.

The Chair shall propose that the minutes of the meeting held on 12 June 2026 be signed as a true record.

The Chair signed the minutes of the meetings held on 12 June 2026 as an accurate record.

David Mathews (Land and Property Programme Manager) to present the report.

To approve the request to extend the validity period to complete the Grant Funding Agreement by three months to the 1st of October 2026.

Confirm that the Portfolio Director is authorised to take all necessary operational steps to proceed with and complete the Grant Funding Agreement within the extended validity period, subject to customary legal, financial, procurement and governance requirements.

To confirm that the Sub-Committee's approval is valid until 1st October 2026 and should the project not proceed to a signed Grant Funding Agreement by this date, it will be required to return and resubmit the business case to the Sub-Committee for approval.

The report was presented by the ⁠Land and Property Programme Manager.

DECISION

To approve the request to extend the validity period to complete the Grant Funding Agreement by three months to the 1st of October 2026.

To confirm that the Portfolio Director is authorised to take all necessary operational steps to proceed with and complete the Grant Funding Agreement within the extended validity period, subject to customary legal, financial, procurement and governance requirements.

To confirm that the Sub-Committee's approval is valid until 1st October 2026 and should the project not proceed to a signed Grant Funding Agreement by this date, it will be required to return and resubmit the business case to the Sub-Committee for approval.

REASONS FOR THE DECISION

To seek the Sub-committee's approval to extend the review date for the Grant Funding Agreement by three months for the reasons set out in the report.

DISCUSSION

Members were reminded that this project had been approved by this Sub-committee at its meeting on 3 October 2025, approving a 6-month validity period to discuss and deliver a grant funding agreement for the project.

It was acknowledged that those requirements could not be delivered within the timetable provided by the Sub-committee, therefore the item was re-submitted in Spring 2026 to receive three additional months to deliver the discussions and receive a grant funding agreement. There was confidence that the discussions could be achieved within three months, but it was confirmed that the discussions had not been completed on this project. Similarly, it was explained that discussions were ongoing on the Gogledd Môn Sites and Premises project, and further discussions had been achieved with the Local Authority on that project.

It was reported that the Freeport Gateway project was now in a procurement process, with the tendering process underway until 7 August. It was noted that the Isle of Anglesey County Council would score the tenders before appointing the successful company before the end of the month. It was elaborated that the hope was to complete discussions with the local authority in September 2026, for the work to commence in October.

It was asked to extend the validity period for three months to allow this schedule to take place, and for the project to proceed.

During the discussion, the following observations were made:-

It was considered that a 3-month extension was not a substantial period of time. The need to ensure that any extension was sufficient to ensure that no need arose to return to the Sub-committee for a subsequent extension was discussed. In response to the observations, the Land and Property Programme Manager emphasised that lessons had been learned in conducting discussions on the Gogledd Môn Sites and Premises project to save time on discussions. Assurances were given that this would be in place for this project, declaring confidence that the project would develop in a timely manner should the extension be approved.

It was confirmed that there was a wish to see this project succeeding, in the hope that the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

David Roberts (Chair of the North Wales Regional Skills Partnership) and Catherine Morris-Roberts (Regional Skills Manager) to present the report.

To approve the North Wales Skills and Employment Plan and the priorities as set out in the plan.

To ask the Regional Skills Partnership to submit an update report in 12 months' time.

The report was submitted by the Chair of the North Wales Regional Skills Partnership and the Regional Skills Manager.

DECISION

To approve the North Wales Skills and Employment Plan and the priorities as set out in the plan.

To ask the Regional Skills Partnership to submit an update report in 12 months' time.

REASONS FOR THE DECISION

To report to the Economic Well-being Sub-Committee on the North Wales Skills and Employment Plan and seek endorsement of its priorities to support regional delivery.

DISCUSSION

It was explained that Skills and Employment Plans operated on a 3-year cycle, noting that the latest cycle had ended at the beginning of this year. It was noted that no clear guidance had been provided by the Welsh Government during recent months because preparations were underway for the Senedd Cymru Election in May.

It was reported that the North Wales Regional Skills Partnership had decided to continue with a new Plan for the next three years to ensure development and continuity of momentum, hoping that the new Government would adopt it in due course. It was acknowledged that there was a possibility that minor amendments were being made as the Government considered it, but there was confidence that the Plan was robust enough to cope with that.

Attention was drawn to the fact that the North Wales Skills and Employment Plan was unique to the three other plans seen in Wales, as it was closely tied with the Corporate Joint Committee. There was confidence that this was a strength because support could be provided on a regional level.

It was reported that approximately 30 partners were part of the Board, including colleges and universities, noting that their attendance on the Board helped them with their individual plans. Pride was expressed that the Board had engaged with over 350 employers across the nine priority sectors, through surveys, employer networks and meetings, to be able to develop the Plan.

It was confirmed that three themes continued from the previous Plan, to ensure continuity in the Board's good work and the support proposed within the region. It was detailed that these included providing support to employers, individuals and teaching how support was provided and making the connections between individuals and employers.

It was explained that the plan included the insights of employers about the recruitment needs and the necessary skills within the sectors, as well as information about the barriers that individuals faced. It was elaborated that the plan provided an overview of significant challenges and opportunities available with large investment projects. Attention was drawn to the fact that many of the Corporate Joint Committee projects had used the Plan in the past. It was noted that the plan addressed the fact that the labour market was evolving, such as Artificial Intelligence, Net Zero, and how employers could make the best use of these matters.

It was highlighted that economic connectivity difficulties impacted individuals within the region, acknowledging that 15.1% of 16-24-year-old people in north Wales were not in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

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.

The Chair shall propose that the press and public be excluded from the meeting during the discussions on the following items due to the likely disclosure of exempt information defined in Paragraph 14 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972: Information relating to the financial business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

While there is a public interest in transparency and accountability, this is outweighed at this stage by the need to protect commercially sensitive information given that disclosure would likely prejudice ongoing negotiations and the authority’s ability to secure best value and protect the proper use of public funds.

A vote was taken on the proposal to exclude the press and public, and Councillor Nia Jeffreys abstained her vote on this item.

The Chair proposed to exclude the press and public from the meeting during the discussion on the following items due to the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 14, Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972: Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

While there is a public interest in transparency and accountability, this is currently outweighed by the need to protect commercially sensitive information given that disclosure would likely prejudice ongoing negotiations and the authority's ability to secure the best value and protect the appropriate use of public funds.

A vote was taken on the proposal to exclude the press and public, and Councillor Nia Jeffreys abstained her vote on this item.

Meghan Davies (Energy & Net Zero Programme Manager) and Hedd Vaughan-Evans (Portfolio Director) to present the report.

To approve the Outline Business Case for the Holyhead Hydrogen Hub subject to Menter Môn addressing the matters identified in the report, as described in Section 7, and requesting that a Full Business Case be prepared for consideration by the Sub-Committee.

To reject the request for advance funding from Menter Môn for the reasons set out in Section 7.

To authorise the Portfolio Director in consultation with the Chair, Vice-chair, Section 151 Officer and the Monitoring Officer to agree draft terms pursuant to this report as the basis for committing to the final funding arrangements for the project, subject to approval of the Full Business Case.

To confirm that the Sub-Committee's approval is valid for a period of twelve months and should the project not proceed to an approved Full Business Case during this time, it will be required to return and submit the business case to the Sub-Committee for approval.

The report was presented by the Portfolio Director.

RESOLVED

To approve the Outline Business Case for the Holyhead Hydrogen Hub subject to Menter Môn addressing the matters identified in the report, as described in Section 7, and requesting that a Full Business Case be prepared for consideration by the Sub-Committee.

To reject the request for advance funding from Menter Môn for the reasons set out in Section 7.

To authorise the Portfolio Director in consultation with the Chair, Vice-chair, Section 151 Officer and the Monitoring Officer to agree draft terms pursuant to this report as the basis for committing to the final funding arrangements for the project, subject to approval of the Full Business Case.

To confirm that the Sub-Committee's approval is valid for a period of twelve months and should the project not proceed to an approved Full Business Case during this time, it will be required to return and submit the business case to the Sub-Committee for approval.

REASONS FOR THE DECISION

To seek the Sub-Committee's approval of the Outline Business Case for the Holyhead Hydrogen Hub.

DISCUSSION

The Report was discussed.

Elliw Hughes (Growth Deal Programme Manager) to present the report.

1.     To approve the Business Justification Case for the Slate Explorer element of the Zip World Responsible Adventure project subject to Welsh Government and UK Government approval of the assurance process undertaken, and Zip World addressing the matters identified in the report as described in Section 7.

2.     To delegate to the Portfolio Director, in consultation with the Chair, Vice-chair, Monitoring Officer and Section 151 Officer to confirm that the outstanding matters in the report have been completed before the funding is released.

3.     To authorise the Portfolio Director in consultation with the Chair, Vice-chair, Section 151 Officer and the Monitoring Officer to agree the terms of the grant funding agreement in accordance with this report, to be approved later by the Sub-committee.

4.     To confirm that the Sub-committee's approval is valid for a period of six months and should the project not proceed to a signed funding agreement during this time, it will be required to return and re-present the business case to the Sub-committee for approval.

5.     To note that there may be up to three further Business Case approvals to deliver the remaining elements of the Responsible Adventure project and that they will be submitted to the Sub-Committee for future consideration.

The report was presented by the Growth Deal Programme Manager.

RESOLVED

1.     To approve the Business Justification Case for the Slate Explorer element of the Zip World Responsible Adventure project subject to Welsh Government and UK Government approval of the assurance process undertaken, and Zip World addressing the matters identified in the report as described in Section 7.

2.     To delegate to the Portfolio Director, in consultation with the Chair, Vice-chair, Monitoring Officer and Section 151 Officer to confirm that the outstanding matters in the report have been completed before the funding is released.

3.     To authorise the Portfolio Director in consultation with the Chair, Vice-chair, Section 151 Officer and the Monitoring Officer to agree the terms of the grant funding agreement in accordance with this report, to be approved later by the Sub-committee.

4.     To confirm that the Sub-committee's approval is valid for a period of six months and should the project not proceed to a signed funding agreement during this time, it will be required to return and re-present the business case to the Sub-committee for approval.

5.     To note that there may be up to three further Business Case approvals to deliver the remaining elements of the Responsible Adventure project and that they will be submitted to the Sub-Committee for future consideration.

REASONS FOR THE DECISION

To seek the Sub-Committee's approval of the Business Justification Case for the Slate Explorer element of the Responsible Adventure project.

DISCUSSION

The Report was discussed.

Elliw Hughes (Growth Deal Programme Manager) to present the report.

1.     To approve the Business Justification Case for Dylan's Restaurant Limited to be a spoke partner for the Academi Croeso project by Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, subject to Grŵp Llandrillo Menai and Dylan's Restaurant Limited addressing the matters identified in the report, as described in Section 7.

2.     To delegate to the Portfolio Director, in consultation with the Chair, Vice-chair, Section 151 Officer and the Monitoring Officer to confirm that the outstanding matters in the report have been completed before the funding is released.

3.     To note that a funding agreement has already been entered into with Grŵp Llandrillo Menai for the Academi Croeso (Tourism Talent Network) project following approval of a Full Business Case, and that this agreement will include the delivery of this element of the wider project if the Sub-Committee approves this Business Justification Case.

The report was presented by the Growth Deal Programme Manager.

RESOLVED

1.     To approve the Business Justification Case for Dylan's Restaurant Limited to be a spoke partner for the Academi Croeso project by Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, subject to Grŵp Llandrillo Menai and Dylan's Restaurant Limited addressing the matters identified in the report, as described in Section 7.

2.     To delegate to the Portfolio Director, in consultation with the Chair, Vice-chair, Section 151 Officer and the Monitoring Officer to confirm that the outstanding matters in the report have been completed before the funding is released.

3.     To note that a funding agreement has already been entered into with Grŵp Llandrillo Menai for the Academi Croeso (Tourism Talent Network) project following approval of a Full Business Case, and that this agreement will include the delivery of this element of the wider project if the Sub-Committee approves this Business Justification Case.

REASONS FOR THE DECISION

To seek the Sub-Committee's approval of the Business Justification Case for including Dylan’s Restaurant Limited as a new spoke for Grŵp Llandrillo Menai's Academi Croeso project.

DISCUSSION

The Report was discussed.

Hedd Vaughan-Evans (Portfolio Director) to present the report.

A vote was taken on the strategy, and it was not adopted in accordance with the outcome of that vote.

The report was presented by the Portfolio Director.

RESOLVED

1.     A vote was taken on the strategy, and it was not adopted in accordance with the outcome of that vote.

2.     It was decided to hold a workshop for the Members to share information about the options available, as well as procedures that would be underway to ensure that the strategy was implemented effectively.

REASONS FOR THE DECISION

To seek the Economic Well-being Sub-Committee's approval of the strategy for the unallocated Growth Deal funds, including the creation of two new funds.

DISCUSSION

The Report was discussed.

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

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

2.     To approve the proposal by Wrexham Leadership Alliance and authorise the Chief Executive in consultation with the Chair, Vice-Chair, Section 151 Officer and Monitoring Officer to enter into a Grant Funding Agreement with Wrexham Leadership Alliance for £200,000 (to allow project costs of £150,000, £0,000 VAT and £20,000 contingency).

3.     To permit the CJC's Section 151 Officer to sign and issue the Annual Delivery Plan documents to the UK Government and Welsh Government and to make any further non-material amendments that are necessary to agree the Annual Delivery Plan with the UK and Welsh Governments.

4.     To confirm that any material change to the approved allocation, recipient, project scope, outputs, funding source, delivery model, risk profile or compliance position, must be reported back to the Economic Well-being Sub-Committee for further approval

The report was submitted by the Chief Executive and AMION Consulting representative.

RESOLVED

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

2.     To approve the proposal by Wrexham Leadership Alliance and authorise the Chief Executive in consultation with the Chair, Vice-Chair, Section 151 Officer and Monitoring Officer to enter into a Grant Funding Agreement with Wrexham Leadership Alliance for £200,000 (to allow project costs of £150,000, £0,000 VAT and £20,000 contingency).

3.     To permit the CJC's Section 151 Officer to sign and issue the Annual Delivery Plan documents to the UK Government and Welsh Government and to make any further non-material amendments that are necessary to agree the Annual Delivery Plan with the UK and Welsh Governments.

4.     To confirm that any material change to the approved allocation, recipient, project scope, outputs, funding source, delivery model, risk profile or compliance position, must be reported back to the Economic Well-being Sub-Committee for further approval.

REASONS FOR THE DECISION

Investment Zones are required to agree Annual Delivery Plans with the UK and Welsh Governments.

DISCUSSION

The Report was discussed.