Venue: Wellington House, Leeds
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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. |
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Apologies for Absence Minutes: Apologies were received from Cllr Lawson, Cllr Jeffery, Cllr Poulsen, Cllr Robinson, Cllr Pandor, Cllr Scott, and Cllr Carter. |
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Declarations of Disclosable Pecuniary Interests Minutes: There were no pecuniary interests declared by Members during the meeting. |
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Exempt Information - Possible Exclusion of the Press and Public Minutes: There were no items that required the exclusion of the press and public. |
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Minutes of the Meeting of the Combined Authority held on 3 February 2022 PDF 171 KB Minutes: Resolved: That the minutes of the meeting of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority held on 3 February 2022 be approved. |
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West Yorkshire Trade Strategy 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.
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.
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. |
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Bus Enhanced Partnership Plan and Scheme 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. |
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AEB: Strategy and Delegations Amendments 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.
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. |
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Levelling Up white paper 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. 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. |
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Business planning and Corporate Objectives 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.
Resolved: That
the Combined Authority: a)
approves the 2022/23 business plans. b) endorses the revised corporate objectives and cross cutting aims. |
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Capacity - Transport and the Economy 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.
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. |
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Capital Spending and Project Approvals 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: 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.
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.
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. |
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Future of the LEP following the LUWP 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.
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. |
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Supporting Cultural Festivals in West Yorkshire 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.
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. |
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Transport Committee Review 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. |
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Minutes for Information 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.
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