Agenda item

Alwen Williams, Chief Executive to present report.

There is an acknowledged public interest in openness in relation to the use of public resources and related financial issues. It is also acknowledged that there are occasions, in order to protect the financial interests of public authorities that matters related to commercial information need to be discussed without being publicised. This would be contrary to the wider public interest of securing value for money and the best overall outcome. The elements that have been readctedrepresent a proportionate response To this request while preserving the right of the publication to obtain information about an important regional plan, in accordance with Paragraph 14 od Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

To approve the North Wales Regional Transport Plan and supporting documentation for submission to the Welsh Government for approval and publication by the Minister in September 2025.

The report was presented by Alwen Williams, CJC Chief Executive and Andy Roberts, Regional Strategic Development Planning Officer.

RESOLVED:

Members noted the update on the progress in preparing a Delivery Agreement for the North Wales Strategic Development Plan and the main matters highlighted that will need to be resolved in future.

DISCUSSION

The report was presented, noting that the SDP for North Wales was a statutory requirement, and it was highlighted that the report noted the main steps for producing the Plan.

The Regional Strategic Development Planning Officer noted that it was a pleasure to give an update on the work that had been undertaken. It was emphasised that they were in the early stages of producing the SDP. It was noted that an initial draft of the Delivery Agreement had been produced and shared with the Government together with relevant stakeholders and the Strategic Planning Sub-committee of the CJC. It was noted that the sub-committee had essentially agreed but had highlighted financial risks that would be noted later on in the report.

It was noted that the draft programme followed a 5-year timescale, and that the plan was over a 25-year period. He expressed his personal opinion that the 5-year timescale of the draft programme was rather long but followed the Government's guidance and highlighted that the main concern was ensuring that we get the Plan right. In terms of the 25-year plan, it was noted that some plans had been identified to start as early as possible.

In terms of communication and consultation, given that it was such a wide area, much consultation would take place virtually on a regional basis but face-to-face events could be held locally and some regionally.

It was emphasised that the biggest risk was the financial risk - the figure was so high and no money had been confirmed for the Plan, therefore the financial deficit would have to be found. It was explained that the Delivery Agreement would be going out to consultation today, and that the Agreement could hopefully be presented to the CJC in September as the one that will be submitted to the Government. However it was highlighted that the financial deficit would need to be resolved in order for the DA to be completed. It was noted that the CJC Lead for North Wales together with other CJCs across Wales had raised this matter with the Government. 

Attention was drawn to section 7 which highlighted the steps once the Delivery Agreement had been presented, noting that an open discussion was needed to form a full vision for the Plan in the autumn. 

The members expressed their thanks for the report and noted, if there were problems with making up the financial deficit, that this be reported immediately to the CJC. It was noted that the Government would hopefully respond before the election due to be held in May. It was noted that the main concerns of the Strategic Planning Sub-committee would be reported immediately to the CJC.

It was asked whether the Plan would be published to the public in a simpler, understandable and concise format. It was noted that steps would be taken to ensure that the document was inclusive and accessible allowing access to anyone who was eager to read the Plan.