To provide an update
to the Committee on the Audit Wales work programme for Quarter
1
·
Quarterly update up to 30-06-21
·
Progress Review of the North
Wales Growth Deal - North
Wales Economic Ambition Board
·
Management Response Progress Review of NWEAB
Decision:
To accept the
reports.
Minutes:
Three reports were submitted updating the Committee on the Audit Wales
work in Quarter 1.
·
Quarterly Update: up
to 30 June 2021
·
Progress Review of
the North Wales Growth Deal - North Wales Economic Ambition Board (NWEAB)
·
Managers' response
to the progress on EAB's work programme
Alan Hughes (Audit Wales) and Nia Williams (NWEAB) were welcomed to the
meeting to present their observations / responses. Reference was made to the
Audit Wales work programme and it was highlighted that the programme was an
useful summary of local work, national work and the work undertaken by other
auditors during this period.
In the context of the progress review of the North Wales Growth Deal
(NWEAB), six proposals were submitted for ways in which the councils through
the NWEAB could improve their ability to deliver their overall goals. It was highlighted that the NWEAB had
established a clear governance framework, although not all elements were
operational, together with a Portfolio Management Office with good resources to
support and deliver the work.
A response was presented to the six improvement areas by NWEAB Managers
in the form of a work programme with a brief explanation of the plans and work
set for delivery. The work areas were
discussed individually and the results were expanded upon to ensure management
and progress in the six areas in question.
Thanks was expressed for the report
In response to a question regarding the responses and the 'live'
challenges facing the Officers, it was highlighted that a great deal of work
was being done to try to keep a balance by setting a realistic timetable and to
continue to plan ahead. It was added that the business cases for each project
were very challenging and establishing the regional Corporate Joint Committee
presented additional challenges.
In response to a question regarding managing risks, the importance of
the risk register was noted and the need to identify risks early together with
updating and adapting the register regularly.
In addition to having to establish projects to recover the economy as a
result of COVID-19, reference was made to an example of responding to a
challenge within the tourism sector of being unable to get staff to work in the
sector - the Tourism Talent Project had been adapted to respond to the sector's
issues. In addition, it was highlighted
that external factors were also challenging. With the projects being funded by
two governments, the grant requirements appeared to be adapted randomly in
response to the changes in the priorities of those governments.
In response to a question regarding the substantial resources used to
ensure the success of the NWEAB and the need for Gwynedd Council (as the host
authority) to be fully compensated, it was noted that it was the responsibility
of officers to ensure that the correct sums were claimed. It was added that purposeful budgets had been
set and employment levels were realistic.
In response to a question regarding the North Wales Mersey Dee Business
Council withdrawing from the Partnership, it was noted that the Business
Council did not contribute financially to the Partnership and the reason for
leaving was due to the work pressures of one individual. However, it was
highlighted that a good relationship continued with the Business Council and
the Business Council director was very progressive. An example of events held jointly to promote
the Growth Deal was used to highlight a healthy partnership.
In response to a question regarding the relationship of the NWEAB with
the Arfor Programme, it was noted that there was a good relationship between
the Arfor Programme and the four Wales Growth Deals with a number of similar
projects being considered. As a means
to avoid the duplication of work, it was highlighted that sharing good practice
regarding scheme developments was very successful. A suggestion was received that south Gwynedd
was likely to receive benefits from being part of the Mid-Wales Growth Deal and
this relationship needed to be enhanced.
RESOLVED
To accept the reports.
Supporting documents: