Issue - meetings

(Lead Member: The Mayor, Director: Alan Reiss)

Resolved:

That members noted the content of the paper and the proposed future arrangements for the LEP.

That members considered and provided comment on the draft Integration Plan.

That authority is delegated to the Managing Director of the Combined Authority to finalise the Integration Plan in line with comments received and submit to government ahead of the deadline in July.

The Combined Authority considered a report of the Managing Director which provided an update on the current position regarding LEP Integration and sought comments on the draft West Yorkshire Integration Plan.

The Mayor summarised the outcomes of the Levelling Up White Paper which clarified the future role of LEPs and how they are integrated within their local democratic institutions.

Officers noted that the Combined Authority already has a long and successful history of working with private sector businesses, and LEP has strong input into advice and decision-making. The Combined Authority is already close to the government approved model, and  a strong private sector voice strengthens links between the Combined Authority and other private sector business. The future of LEP integration was discussed at the LEP annual meeting. Officers clarified that the LEP board is advisory and does not make decisions, however they can advise decision making and its members are represented on the other thematic committees.

Members welcomed the commitment between the public and private sectors and expressed a desire to further build on the partnership and encourage more diverse decision making. The importance of engaging LEP members was emphasised, and LEP members were encouraged to use their networks to seek new opportunities for funding and development for the region.

Resolved:

(a) That the content of the paper and the proposed future arrangements for the LEP be noted.

(b) That comments made by members be taken into account in finalising the Integration Plan. 

(c) That authority is delegated to the Managing Director of the Combined Authority to finalise the Integration Plan in line with comments received and to submit the Plan to government ahead of the deadline in July.