Agenda item

Alwen Williams, Chief Executive to present the report.

It was resolved to defer the decision to get a better understanding from the new Welsh Government about their views in supporting this model of funding the Local Growth Fund.  A report was requested at the next meeting.

The report was presented, stating that its purpose was to put in order a clear framework for how the CJC will operate, prioritise its resources, and demonstrate accountability as it moves forward to the next stage of regional delivery.

It was confirmed that the Welsh Government had stated its intention for the Corporate Joint Committees in Wales to take regional responsibility for the management of the Local Growth Fund from 2027/28. It was noted that the Welsh Government had provided £200,000 to Ambition North Wales to produce the Regional Growth Deal including the associated preparations for its implementation from April 2027.

It was informed that Ambition North Wales had identified the need for a Corporate Plan, which would set out the vision, priorities and actions, as well as provide the basis for working collaboratively with the region. It was reported that a Vision Statement and a Well-being and Objectives Statement had also been created along with a ten-year Regional Growth Deal as required by the Welsh Government.

Concern was expressed about the tight time-scales in delivering the proposal to show that work had commenced on the creation of a ten-year plan by April 2027. It was confirmed that discussions were ongoing with the Welsh Government regarding the time-scales, given that the different components of the Plan would take time. It was emphasised that engagement with local authorities, partners, and communities was paramount to ensure that the Regional Growth Deal reflected the opportunities and challenges in north Wales.

It was added that the Welsh Government needed a transition plan that sets out how Ambition North Wales will change from the current arrangements, where Cyngor Gwynedd delivers year 1 and the start of year 2, for the CJC to take responsibility for delivering year 3. It was explained that Ambition North Wales was awaiting formal guidance to be published by the Welsh Government, but that they were confident that they would be able to meet the requirements noted. Progress would be reported regularly to the CJC, especially if any delays or challenges arose.

It was noted that some Members disagreed with the Welsh Government's decision to direct funding for the Local Growth Fund through the CJC, particularly as there was a lack of input from local authorities into this decision. However, it was noted that this objection was not a negative reflection of the CJC but rather an objection to the Government's decision.

It was enquired how much more public money would be needed to fund the transformation of the CJC to take responsibility for managing the Local Growth Fund. It was confirmed that the structures for the SPF were in place in Gwynedd and therefore would continue for year 1. It was emphasised that a Welsh Government grant of £200,000 would be used to establish the structures and resources for years 2 and 3.

Clarification was sought for the £65,000 offered to commission a strategic partner to jointly develop documents. It was explained that the figures noted were a proposal of how the grant could be spent. It was confirmed that no work had yet been commissioned or commenced and that Ambition North Wales would work collaboratively with local authorities and partners for the benefit of the region.

A request was made for an update regarding project management capacity at Ambition North Wales. It was clarified that there was currently insufficient capacity in the Ambition  North Wales team to support the Local Growth Fund.

In response to concerns about the contribution from local authorities to support and co-produce the Regional Growth Fund, it was explained that the contribution would be £30,000 to the local authorities, and that each of the six local authorities would receive £5,000 for their work. It was noted that this was based on the model created for the SPF, where a contribution from the grant was provided to establish an SPF team within Cyngor Gwynedd.

In response to the discussion, if Members wished, it was confirmed that alternative approaches to the management of the Local Growth Fund could be considered. An alternative approach was discussed, whereby the administration of the Local Growth Fund would remain with the CJC but the task of presenting and commissioning the Local Growth Fund could be delegated to Cyngor Gwynedd or another authority, which would be sensible as the structures and processes had already been developed.

Further concerns were expressed, particularly around capacity and costs, and a recent change in Welsh Government was also highlighted which could lead to a different scheme by the new Government for regional funding and support.

It was proposed that the item be postponed to the next meeting. It was proposed that the CJC would continue discussions with the Welsh Government and reflect the concerns raised during the discussion.

Members and officers were thanked for their input into the discussion.