Agenda, decisions and minutes

Venue: Wellington House, Leeds

Items
No. Item

88.

Chair's Opening Remarks

Minutes:

The Chair opened the meeting, noting the return to Wellington House as a regular venue for Committee meetings.

 

The Chair led tributes to Combined Authority member Sir Roger Marsh ahead of his resignation after nine years as Chair of the Leeds Enterprise Partnership. Members expressed thanks to Sir Roger for his leadership and expert knowledge which has been pivotal in securing the devolution deal, attracting more private investment into the region, and championing the region on a multitude of fronts nationally and internationally. Members noted that through working with local leaders and partners Sir Roger has led one of the most diverse and outstanding LEPs in the country, and has made an extremely positive impact to the lives of people in West Yorkshire.

 

Sir Roger expressed his thanks to the Combined Authority members, leaders, councillors, and staff he has worked with during his tenure as LEP Chair, and expressed his intent to continue promoting the region, and wished the LEP and Combined Authority members well for their future work.

89.

Apologies for Absence

Minutes:

Apologies were received from Cllr Lawson, Cllr Jeffery, Cllr Poulsen, Cllr Robinson, Cllr Pandor, Cllr Scott, and Cllr Carter.

90.

Declarations of Disclosable Pecuniary Interests

Minutes:

There were no pecuniary interests declared by Members during the meeting.

91.

Exempt Information - Possible Exclusion of the Press and Public

Minutes:

There were no items that required the exclusion of the press and public.

92.

Minutes of the Meeting of the Combined Authority held on 3 February 2022 pdf icon PDF 171 KB

Minutes:

Resolved: That the minutes of the meeting of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority held on 3 February 2022 be approved.

93.

West Yorkshire Trade Strategy pdf icon PDF 392 KB

(Lead Member: Cllr S. Pandor, Director: Brian Archer)

 

Decision:

Resolved: That the Combined Authority approves the priorities and approach set out by the West Yorkshire Trade Strategy and that the Combined Authority adopts it as part of the Strategic Economic Framework, subject to the consideration of ethical concerns being added to the report as was discussed.  

Minutes:

The Combined Authority considered the West Yorkshire Trade Strategy, which sets out the Combined Authority’s mission to provide access for small to medium-sized businesses to international markets. The Strategy is the region’s response to the UK export strategy ‘Made in the UK, Sold to the World’ that was published in November 2021, and recognises that West Yorkshire has a diversity of world-leading manufacturing and service businesses which offer fantastic opportunities for quality jobs, productivity and innovation that will increase living standards for people in the region. The strategy will be adopted within the Strategic Economic Framework and sets out how the region can contribute to the Global Britain agenda for post-pandemic recovery. 

Officers noted that the strategy examines the challenges and opportunities; identifies key sectors and markets especially where there are existing free trade agreements or where agreements are in development; and addresses how to increase access to those opportunities. The strategy sets out the direction of travel for the region, and was developed in partnership with public and private sector organisations including the Department of International Trade, Chambers of Commerce, and regional universities, among others.

 

The Combined Authority is consulting with Leeds business school to establish metrics to track delivery of the strategy, and progress will be reported to the Business, Economy and Innovation Committee.

It was questioned how, considering recent global events, trade deals would be avoided with businesses that could be perceived as unethical. Officers responded that due diligence is carried out for all potential partnerships and most of the partnerships within the Trade Strategy are with organisations in the region that are already known. Due diligence for any new partnerships is not specifically mentioned as a part of the strategy, however it would always be undertaken and can be added to the strategy to provide reassurance.

 

Resolved: That the Combined Authority approves the priorities and approach set out by the West Yorkshire Trade Strategy and that the Combined Authority adopts it as part of the Strategic Economic Framework, subject to the consideration of ethical concerns being added to the report as was discussed.

94.

Bus Enhanced Partnership Plan and Scheme pdf icon PDF 441 KB

(Lead Member: Cllr S. Hinchcliffe, Director: Dave Pearson)

Additional documents:

Decision:

Resolved: That the Combined Authority:

a)    approves the content of the final EP Plan and Scheme.

b)    approves the publication of the Notice of Intent to ‘make’ an EP Plan and Scheme.

Minutes:

Combined Authority members considered the final version of the Bus Enhanced Partnership Plan and Scheme. The Enhanced Partnership Plan has been developed in partnership with operators and districts, and will benefit residents in the region with the potential to accelerate the transition to cleaner vehicles and contributing to net zero carbon ambitions.

 

Since presenting the draft plan to the Combined Authority meeting in December, there has been further positive consultation and continued assessment of a proposed franchising scheme for which further updates will be provided. The Combined Authority is still waiting upon the Government to inform how much funding will be received in respect to its Bus Service Improvement Plan bid.

 

The Chair expressed thanks to Cllr Kim Groves for her hard work on this project as well as many other transport projects in Leeds and West Yorkshire throughout her time as a councillor and Chair and Deputy Chair of the Transport Committee. Cllr Groves thanked the members as well as the leaders, officers, operators, and staff she has worked with.

 

Resolved: That the Combined Authority:

 

a)    approves the content of the final EP Plan and Scheme.

 

b)    approves the publication of the Notice of Intent to ‘make’ an EP Plan and Scheme.

95.

AEB: Strategy and Delegations Amendments pdf icon PDF 292 KB

(Lead Member: Cllr J. Lewis, Director: Brian Archer)

Additional documents:

Decision:

Resolved: That the Combined Authority:

a)    approves a revision to the WY AEB Strategy to include a 3% tolerance to be applied to underspend for Grant providers.

b)    approves a revision to the WY AEB Strategy and Funding Rules, defining ‘low wage’ to be ‘earning below the Real Living Wage’.

c)     approves the revised table of delegations at Appendix 1 of the submitted report.

Minutes:

The Combined Authority members considered an update on the delivery of the devolved Adult Education Budget so far, including a breakdown of the reach into disadvantaged communities and diverse groups. Approximately 30,000 learners have already benefitted from programmes delivered by 38 providers across a variety of disciplines. At present, those earning the national minimum wage qualify for free training through the AEB, and it is proposed to increase the low wage threshold to align with the real living wage which will widen the eligibility to access training.

 

Members welcomed the change to the eligibility threshold which will positively impact many more people. Members commended the fact that 72% of those who have accessed training so far come from disadvantaged areas. It was noted that the decision is possible only as a result of devolution, and thanks were passed to the officer team for their work.

Members highlighted the importance of the changes concerning the Employment and Skills Committee to monitor and review the strategy, as well as to hold discussions and recommend necessary changes with as few barriers as possible.

 

Resolved: That the Combined Authority:

a)    approves a revision to the WY AEB Strategy to include a 3% tolerance to be applied to underspend for Grant providers.

b)    approves a revision to the WY AEB Strategy and Funding Rules, defining ‘low wage’ to be ‘earning below the Real Living Wage’.

c)     approves the revised table of delegations at Appendix 1 of the submitted report.

96.

Levelling Up white paper pdf icon PDF 218 KB

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

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Combined Authority members noted the report which provided a summary of the Government’s Levelling Up White Paper, published on 2 February 2022. It was noted that the secretary of state Michael Gove has committed to levelling up, but that a whole government approach is required. It is hoped that the Mayor and Michael Gove can arrange a meeting to discuss the issue further as schedules allow.

The White Paper announces 20 town and city centres due to benefit from regeneration programmes, with only Sheffield and Wolverhampton announced so far. It is hoped that Bradford will be included as one of the other 18.

Resolved: That members note the contents of the paper and the opportunities for West Yorkshire, including:

a)    the opportunity for West Yorkshire to be next in line as an area for an Innovation Accelerator as detailed in para 2.10 of the submitted report.

b)    the opportunity and expectation that, at a minimum for West Yorkshire, Bradford may be included as one of the 20 places identified as a priority for regeneration, as detailed in para 2.11 of the submitted report.

97.

Business planning and Corporate Objectives pdf icon PDF 188 KB

(Lead Member: The Mayor, Director: Ben Still)

Additional documents:

Decision:

Resolved: That the Combined Authority:

a)    approves the 2022/23 business plans.

b)    endorses the revised corporate objectives and cross cutting aims.

Minutes:

The Combined Authority considered the progress on business planning and the review of corporate priorities. The plans have been updated since the February Combined Authority meeting to further embed principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion from the beginning of the new financial year.

The Corporate Objectives have been revised to fit the expanded remit of the organisation brought with devolution. Following extensive consultation with staff, seven new key objectives are brought in to align with the work of the Combined Authority, the 10 mayoral pledges, and the revised committee structure.

 

Resolved: That the Combined Authority:

a)    approves the 2022/23 business plans.

b)    endorses the revised corporate objectives and cross cutting aims.

98.

Capacity - Transport and the Economy pdf icon PDF 322 KB

(Lead Member: The Mayor, Director: Ben Still)

Additional documents:

Decision:

Resolved: That the Combined Authority:

a)    approves the removal of the ‘Director of Policy and Development’ post.

b)    approves the creation of two new Director posts – initially titled ‘Director of Transport Policy and Development’ and ‘Director of Economic Policy and Development’.

c)     approves delegating the recruitment and appointment to the Managing Director in consultation with the Mayor and a panel of Leaders and LEP Board private sector members.
 

d)    notes the further steps set out under ‘Proposed next steps’ in the submitted report.

Minutes:

The Combined Authority considered a report outlining the response to the increases in responsibilities, funding, and expansions that have arisen since the devolution deal. To accommodate this growth, it is proposed to reallocate the functions of the existing Policy and Development directorate into two separate directorates - one for transport and the other for economy. This will increase the overall senior officer capacity and increase director capacity.

 

The work will be completed in two phases, first by splitting the current post of ‘Policy and Development Director’ into two posts. The second phase will consider the structure at the top of the organisation and assess the need for revision of the line management structure to meet the new demands of the organisation. Officers clarified that the proposed approval so far only concerns the first phase of recasting of one Policy and Development director post into two posts as outlined.

Members noted that it is evident that some teams are becoming stretched due to the extra work that has arisen since becoming a mayoral combined authority. In comparison with the structure other MCAs, members suggested that not only are more directors required but more teams to support them. District partners have also lost staff over these past ten years, and though the teams are more than capable of coping, more support is required.

Members highlighted potential challenges to overcome regarding finding the balance between the number of staff currently required and the capacity to handle future demand. Staff capability and training can increase output without the need to drastically increase staff numbers. It was recognised that staff are stretched by taking on extra work and covering for colleagues that have left their roles, and thanks were expressed to them for their hard work.

 

It was raised that the sector is less highly paid than other elements of the public sector or private sector, but the available resources should be used as effectively as possible.

 

 

It was noted that it will take time to develop new staff and structures, and there should be incentives to joining the authority not only terms of pay but also career development.

 

Resolved: That the Combined Authority:

a)    approves the removal of the ‘Director of Policy and Development’ post.

b)    approves the creation of two new Director posts – initially titled ‘Director of Transport Policy and Development’ and ‘Director of Economic Policy and Development’.

c)     approves delegating the recruitment and appointment to the Managing Director in consultation with the Mayor and a panel of Leaders and LEP Board private sector members.
 

d)    notes the further steps set out under ‘Proposed next steps’ in the submitted report.

99.

Capital Spending and Project Approvals pdf icon PDF 1 MB

(Lead Member: The Mayor, Director: Melanie Corcoran)

 

Additional documents:

Decision:

Resolved:

 

a)    That in respect of CRSTS Capacity Funding, the Combined Authority approves that:

i)       the CRSTS Capacity Fund scheme proceeds through decision point 2 to 4 (business justification) and work commences on activity 5 (delivery).

ii)     indicative approval is given to the Combined Authority’s contribution of £7,400,000. The total scheme value is £7,400,000.

iii)    approval to £2,756,411 for tranche 2 (of 3) is given, allocated as detailed in Appendix 2 of the submitted report, bringing the total approval to £5,756,411.

iv)   the Combined Authority enters into a Funding Agreement with each of the councils for expenditure as detailed in Appendix 2 of the submitted report.

v)     changes to allocations in iii) and iv) above are delegated to the Senior Responsible Officer (Interim Director of Policy and Development) of the CRSTS programme.

vi)   future approvals are made in accordance with the assurance pathway and approval route outlined in the submitted report and where required, any change requests are delegated to the Transport Committee. This will be subject to the scheme remaining within the tolerances outlined in the submitted report.

b)    That in respect of Gainshare Capacity Funding, the Combined Authority approves that:

i)       the Gainshare Capacity Funding scheme proceeds through decision point 2 to 4 (business justification) and work commences on activity 5 (delivery).

ii)     approval to the total scheme value of £11,400,000 is given, allocated as detailed in Appendix 4 of the submitted report.

iii)    the Combined Authority enters into a Funding Agreement with each of the councils for expenditure of up to £1,890,000.

iv)   future approvals are made in accordance with the assurance pathway and approval route outlined in the submitted report and where required, any change requests are delegated to the Finance, Resources and Corporate Committee. This will be subject to the scheme remaining within the tolerances outlined in the submitted report.

c)     That in respect of the CRSTS Programme, the Combined Authority approves that, subject to the successful outcome of the bid to DfT:

i)       the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) programme proceeds through decision point 2 (strategic outline case) and work commences on development of the relevant business case for each individual scheme.

ii)     an indicative approval to the total programme value of £830,000,000 is given. The total programme cost is £1,231,994,853.

iii)    approval of development and delivery costs of up to £63,455,916 for business case development and programme management costs is given as follows:

·       Up to £30,311,916 for monitoring and evaluation, communications, consultation and engagement and Combined Authority programme management.

·       Development costs of up to £3,000,000 to enable delivery partners to develop scheme business cases.

·       Delivery and development costs of up to £30,144,000 for the development of strategic outline cases and quarter 1 and quarter 2 costs for the Highways Asset Management, Network Management and Safer Roads programme.

 

iv)   approval is given for the delegation of authority to the Combined Authority’s Director of Delivery, following a recommendation from the Programme Appraisal Team, to approve requests for business  ...  view the full decision text for item 99.

Minutes:

Combined Authority members were presented with an update on seven current schemes for approval to progress through the assurance process, plus two additional recommendations were included relating to York Central and the Contribution to Capital Programme Update March 2022.

City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) Capacity Funding

This will support the development of the pipeline of future schemes and the development of the CRSTS programme itself, increasing capacity and skills within the Combined Authority and partner councils. .

Gainshare Capacity Funding

Officers explained the proposal to draw down £11.4m of funding to increase the capacity for the Combined Authority and partner authorities to develop pipelines for our investment priorities over the next three years. The support will benefit frontline specialist teams or individuals, with the option to source external consultancy if needed.

CRSTS Programme

Officers informed the members that the Combined Authority is currently waiting on receiving £830m of funding from a Department for Transport announcement in Autumn 2021. The funding will support transport improvements, walking and cycling improvements, public transport, accessibility, safety initiatives, and ensuring that national and regional priorities are met. Each project is a sub-programme within the wider CRSTS programme, and it is proposed to release the first tranche of the funding subject to funding confirmation in March, with delivery to begin in April.

There are multiple funding pots comprising the CRSTS including the Transforming Cities Fund, Mass Transit, Highways Maintenance, Network Management, and Safer Roads, which were previously separate. Because the Highways Maintenance budget is delivered on a rolling programme, it is proposed to approve the first six months of spend to allow projects to keep moving, amounting to £63.5 million, subject to confirmation of funding.


Members questioned the difference between the total value of the programme and the value of the DfT funding and suggested that any decision should be subject to receiving confirmation of the funding to ensure there are no gaps in delivery. Officers confirmed that the total value is £1.2 billion with match funding, which will come from a variety of sources and will be carefully monitored to ensure delivery.

Members asked for confirmation that all authorities in the region will benefit from new highways funding. Officers confirmed that there has been an uplift in funding for highways maintenance..

Members pointed out that £430m of the funding has already been announced as part of other schemes. Officers confirmed that some schemes were already a part of the Transforming Cities programme, though approximately 33 of the 61 schemes are new, as well as a new sustainable transport programme. A list of all projects is currently being drafted alongside partners.


Transformational - West Yorkshire Mass Transit

Officers noted this is the second largest element of CRSTS, with some £200m allocated in principle for mass transit in West Yorkshire. There is some existing development funding through the transformational funding and transport fund that has supported the mass transit work so far. The proposal is to move to the business outline case, which will require  ...  view the full minutes text for item 99.

100.

Future of the LEP following the LUWP pdf icon PDF 273 KB

(Lead Member: Sir Roger Marsh, Director: Ben Still)

Additional documents:

Decision:

Resolved: That the Combined Authority:

a)    notes the content of the paper and the proposed future arrangements for the LEP.

b)    has considered and agrees the next steps set out in para 2.14-2.16 of the submitted report.

Minutes:

Members noted that since its formation that LEP has had a positive impact on the region, and is regarded as a leading example of how LEPs should operate. There are benefits to the partnership between the public and private sectors contributing to decision-making and helping to shape the region’s economy.

Officers confirmed that the Levelling Up White Paper sets out the government’s position in calling for the LEPs across England to be retained, and further calls for LEP integration in Mayoral Combined Authorities. The government intend a successor for growth deals to be run through the Combined Authorities rather than through LEPs. This means LEPs will lose their programme funding, but will retain their role in strategy, championing sector strengths, and as a voice for business. The Leeds LEP already has a strong public-private partnership, and the paper presents an opportunity to further strengthen these links.

 

The report also sets out the implications for a future LEP Chair, including the appointment, the time commitment, and remuneration

 

Resolved: That the Combined Authority:

a)    notes the content of the paper and the proposed future arrangements for the LEP.

b)    has considered and agrees the next steps set out in para 2.14-2.16 of the submitted report.

101.

Supporting Cultural Festivals in West Yorkshire pdf icon PDF 295 KB

(Lead Member: The Mayor, Director: Liz Hunter)

Decision:

Resolved: That the Combined Authority:

a)    provides comments and input to the development of principles for investment in Cultural Festivals.

b)    indicatively approves up to £2.45 million in funding from the Single Investment Fund to Leeds (a range of £1.3m to £1.5m) and Kirklees (a range of £750,000 to £850,000) to support funding Leeds 2023 and Kirklees 2023 as outlined in the submitted report. This will be subject to approval through the Combined Authority’s Assurance Framework.

c)     indicatively approves up to £250,000 funding from the Single Investment Fund to Bradford Literature Festival to support the festival in 2022. This will be subject to approval through the Combined Authority’s Assurance Framework.

d)    approves that, given the Bradford Literature Festival in 2022 will take place before the next Combined Authority meeting, full approval for this scheme to pass through the assurance process be delegated to the Finance, Resources and Corporate Committee, totalling no more than £250,000.

Minutes:

Officers confirmed that a version of this report was supported at the Culture, Arts and Creative Industries Committee meeting held on 16 March 2022. Culture, sports, and creative industries play a vital role in creating an inclusive economic recovery, with festivals offering inclusive activity and providing cultural opportunities for all while promoting the region to a national and international audience.

Upcoming festivals include Leeds 2023 year of culture, the Kirklees Year of Music 2023, and the Bradford Literature festival 2022. The festivals are currently seeking approval in principle, subject to a business case which will be presented at the June 2022 Combined Authority meeting. The Bradford Literature Festival requires faster approval due to the shorter timescale involved, and so the decision will be delegated to the April meeting of the Finance, Resources and Corporate Committee.

 

Officers explained that any investment related to cultural festivals will be tied to specific events that align with current investment priorities and provide a clear cultural output. All festivals will be subject to a robust assurance process which is currently underway, and all investments will be subject to evaluation. The festivals will aim to benefit the whole region, rather than just the area within which it is held.

 

Members raised a point regarding the distinction between a ‘Year of’ event and an annual event, and that there should be no suggestion that annual events will repeatedly receive funding. Officers confirmed the distinction is already clarified within the framework and emphasised the need to ensure value for money wherever possible.

 

Resolved: That the Combined Authority:

a)    provides comments and input to the development of principles for investment in Cultural Festivals.

b)    indicatively approves up to £2.45 million in funding from the Single Investment Fund to Leeds (a range of £1.3m to £1.5m) and Kirklees (a range of £750,000 to £850,000) to support funding Leeds 2023 and Kirklees 2023 as outlined in the submitted report. This will be subject to approval through the Combined Authority’s Assurance Framework.

c)     indicatively approves up to £250,000 funding from the Single Investment Fund to Bradford Literature Festival to support the festival in 2022. This will be subject to approval through the Combined Authority’s Assurance Framework.

d)    approves that, given the Bradford Literature Festival in 2022 will take place before the next Combined Authority meeting, full approval for this scheme to pass through the assurance process be delegated to the Finance, Resources and Corporate Committee, totalling no more than £250,000.

102.

Transport Committee Review pdf icon PDF 282 KB

(Lead Member: Cllr S. Hinchcliffe, Director: Dave Pearson)

Additional documents:

Decision:

Resolved: That the Combined Authority:

a)    approves the following to be of effect from the Annual Meeting on 23 June 2022:

·       The membership framework set out at Appendix 1 of the submitted report.

·       The role profiles set out at Appendix 2 of the submitted report.

·       The proposed Transport Committee terms of reference set out at Appendix 3 of the submitted report.

·       Removal of District Consultation Sub-Committees as sub-committees of Transport Committee

b)    Has considered the report and recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel in relation to remuneration for qualifying future roles on Transport Committee (Appendix 4 of the submitted report) and determines the level of remuneration to be of effect following the Annual Meeting for the municipal year 2022/23.

c)     notes the proposal to consider indexation of allowances for co-opted members of Combined Authority committees at a future meeting.

Minutes:

The Combined Authority considered the report regarding changes to the Transport Committee. Since the agreement made in principle at the previous Combined Authority meeting, an Independent Remuneration Panel has considered the allowances to be paid for the new member roles. The Panel has suggested considering indexing of the allowances, which can be raised at a later meeting. Once approved, the changes will apply following the Annual Meeting in June.

 

Resolved: That the Combined Authority:

a)    approves the following to be of effect from the Annual Meeting on 23 June 2022:

·       The membership framework set out at Appendix 1 of the submitted report.

·       The role profiles set out at Appendix 2 of the submitted report.

·       The proposed Transport Committee terms of reference set out at Appendix 3 of the submitted report.

·       Removal of District Consultation Sub-Committees as sub-committees of Transport Committee

b)    Has considered the report and recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel in relation to remuneration for qualifying future roles on Transport Committee (Appendix 4 of the submitted report) and determines the level of remuneration to be of effect following the Annual Meeting for the municipal year 2022/23.

c)     notes the proposal to consider indexation of allowances for co-opted members of Combined Authority committees at a future meeting.

103.

Minutes for Information pdf icon PDF 256 KB

Minutes:

The Combined Authority noted the minutes of the committees and panels that have been published on the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s website since the last meeting.

 

Resolved: That the minutes of the Combined Authority’s committees and panels be noted.