Issue - meetings

(Member lead: Cllr S Hinchcliffe, Author: Rob Norreys)

Resolved –

(i)    That WYCA agrees, in principle, to broaden its policy remit to ensure it can make a positive  impact on factors that drive inclusive growth.

(ii)    That the Steering Inclusive Growth Group (SIGG) be formalised into an Inclusive Growth Panel and a report be brought to a future meeting to set an appropriate remit over public services and tackling fuel poverty.

(iii)    That WYCA agrees, in principle, to review WYCA programmes to take account of inclusive growth, subject to the conditions on delegated funding.

(iv)    That it be noted that currently, funding streams are likely to prove insufficient and inflexible to resource a wider range of city region investment interventions.  WYCA therefore seeks to maximise resources (eg. Shared Prosperity Fund) and secure more freedoms over in year spending.

The Authority considered a report of the Director of Policy, Strategy & Communications and the Project Director for Inclusive Growth which sought WYCA’s agreement to update its policy and funding framework to better foster inclusive growth.

Members welcomed the report and supported the proposal to broaden WYCA’s policy remit to ensure a positive impact can be made on both direct and indirect drivers of inclusive growth.  It would also allow WYCA and the LEP to better focus the funding programme to make more impact on business competitiveness and the living standards of city region residents. 

It was acknowledged that transformation required funding and the opportunity of the industrial strategy and the new impetus in devolution negotiations would be used to secure further investment to address the funding gap that has emerged with other city regions.

The Authority noted the importance of working with the local authorities to add value and help inform decisions and the need to take immediate action and monitor progress was recognised. 

Resolved:

(i)         That WYCA agrees, in principle, to broaden its policy remit to ensure it can make a positive  impact on factors that drive inclusive growth.

(ii)        That the Steering Inclusive Growth Group (SIGG) be formalised into an Inclusive Growth Panel and a report be brought to a future meeting to set an appropriate remit over public services and tackling fuel poverty.

(iii)       That WYCA agrees, in principle, to review WYCA programmes to take account of inclusive growth, subject to the conditions on delegated funding.

(iv)       That it be noted that currently, funding streams are likely to prove

insufficient and inflexible to resource a wider range of city region investment interventions.  WYCA therefore seeks to maximise resources (eg. Shared Prosperity Fund) and secure more freedoms over in year spending.