Agenda, decisions and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Jeffery, Cllr Holdsworth, Cllr Pandor, Cllr Scott and Mandy Ridyard.

The Mayor welcomed Felix Kumi-Ampofo, the new director of Inclusive Economy, Skills, and Culture to his first Combined Authority meeting.

The Mayor noted that Cllr Shabir Pandor had resigned as leader of Kirklees Council with immediate effect on 26 July 2023. The Mayor expressed thanks to Cllr Pandor for his support, his championing of inclusivity and growth, and his leadership of Kirklees throughout the pandemic and the difficult economic landscape. The Mayor noted that a new leader would be selected, and Cllr Cathy Scott, the current Deputy Leader, would assume the leadership role until then.

The Mayor highlighted the national closure of train station ticket offices which would close all West Yorkshire ticket offices apart from Bradford, Huddersfield, and Leeds, and would negatively impact the accessibility of stations as well as the employment of the staff affected. The Mayor informed the members of the intention to submit a legal challenge regarding the lawfulness of the consultation in conjunction with other Mayoral Combined Authorities. The Mayor noted that the Rail Delivery Group had announced an extension of the consultation until 1 September 2023, and the Combined Authority was awaiting a response from operators which would inform the actions taken.

There were no declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests.

There were no items identified as exempt from the press and public.

Resolved: That the minutes of the meeting of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority held on 22 June 2023 be approved and signed by the Chair.

(Lead Member: The Mayor, Director: Angela Taylor)

Resolved:That the revisions to the West Yorkshire Investment Strategy be approved.

Members considered a report to endorse the revisions made to the West Yorkshire Investment Strategy through the annual review process

The Mayor noted the West Yorkshire Investment Strategy was a key document to inform the prioritisation of investments, and the updates reflected the current economic landscape and the missions of the West Yorkshire Plan. Officers noted changes were summarised in the submitted report. The Mayor highlighted the focus on health outcomes and noted that work was ongoing alongside the Inclusivity Champion to address health inequality.

Members questioned if the equality impact assessment could incorporate the voice of children into the decision-making process. Officers offered to take the suggestion into consideration.

Members questioned how the outcomes would be measured, and how potential inadvertent negative health outcomes would be avoided. The Mayor responded that the targets to measure against were detailed in the West Yorkshire plan and that the Combined Authority would be guided by the data in decision making, but members were encouraged to raise any concerns they had. The Mayor added that further devolution would allow for greater autonomy regarding how the management of health funding and would result in further positive outcomes.

Resolved: That the revisions to the West Yorkshire Investment Strategy be approved.

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

Resolved:

That the progress made on implementing the West Yorkshire UKSPF Local Investment Plans be noted.

That the recommendations made by the West Yorkshire UKSPF Local Partnership Group on its 31st July 2023 meeting be noted and approved, which are:

• The LPG endorsed the design of the Calls including the proposed funding envelopes and key policy areas for intervention as set out above, providing their feedback and advice is taken in to account as the Invitation to Bid is finalised.

The funding envelopes and priority areas for the three Pillar 3 People and Skills open calls for projects via an invitation to bid be approved, and the Chief Executive be authorised to agree, prior to publication, the full Invitation to Bid documentation in consultation with the Mayor and the Chair of the Employment and Skills Committee given the launch timescales.

Members considered a report to provide and update of the progress made on implementing the West Yorkshire UKSPF Local Investment Plans, including Core UKSPF, Multiply and the new Rural England Prosperity Fund, and to approve officers to develop the Invitation to Bid and agree the full Invitation to Bid.

The Mayor noted the funding included the Multiply programme and had so far improved the skills of more than 2,000 learners across the region. The Mayor emphasised the aim to further develop innovative solutions towards the improvement of skills, and expressed frustration that delays in receiving the funding had given less time to deliver the project and the unspent funding had to be returned to the government. The Mayor raised concerns that the funding was difficult to access for smaller organisations, and challenged officers to address the issue so more learners could benefit overall.

Officers confirmed that approximately 60% of the £68 million of funding had been allocated. The bidding process for organisations to access approximately £12 million for the Pillar 2 ‘Business Support’ element had been run and the Local Partnership Group, made up of councillors and regional stakeholders, would consider the bids before returning to the Combined Authority for approval in September. For the Pillar 3 ‘People and Skills’ element, it had been agreed to allocate £14 million, with the government requirement that it could only be allocated for one year which had created a challenge to identify suitable providers who could deliver within that period. Officers confirmed Employment and Skills Committee had discussed the funding, which was aligned with the investment strategy for delivery in conjunction with the five partner councils. Three additional programmes would be delivered with external partners, comprising of the Work and Health Programme, the Community Grant Programme, and the Youth Unemployment Programme. Officers noted funding had been allocated to each of the districts for hyper-local programmes, and there were further opportunities for small organisations to access funding. Officers explained that a grant provider would manage the funding, but the details had not yet been agreed waiting feedback from regional stakeholders

The Mayor queried how organisations would be informed of the funding opportunities, officers responded that a website was under development, and the Combined Authority had a list of over 1,000 businesses who could be contacted directly, with each district also having similar contact lists. The Mayor suggested the organisations that had been involved with the delivery of the Mayor’s Cost Of Living Emergency Fund should be involved as well as the Combined Authority’s Inclusivity Champion.

Members welcomed the funding and questioned what support would be provided for rural areas given the relative difficulty of access to urban centres. Officers responded the delivery in rural areas would be built into the bid invitation, the Mayor added that the focus on improved transport links for rural areas would improve the access to training and education.

Members questioned which rural partners were being engaged with and if there were any details that could be shared with schools  ...  view the full minutes text for item 26.

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

Resolved:

That Tom Riordan, Leeds City Council Chief Executive and Local Returning Officer, be appointed as the Combined Authority Returning Officer (CARO) in respect of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Mayoral election, due to take place on Thursday 2 May 2024.

The intention that Ben Still, Chief Executive of the Combined Authority will be appointed as a deputy CARO be noted.

Members considered a report to agree to appoint Tom Riordan, the Leeds City Council Chief Executive and Local Returning Officer, as the Combined Authority Returning Officer (CARO) for the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Mayoral election, due to take place on Thursday 2 May 2024. The report also noted the intention that Ben Still, Chief Executive of the Combined Authority would be appointed as a deputy CARO.

The Mayor noted the arrangements would mirror the arrangements of the election held in 2021.

Resolved:

That Tom Riordan, Leeds City Council Chief Executive and Local Returning Officer, be appointed as the Combined Authority Returning Officer (CARO) in respect of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Mayoral election, due to take place on Thursday 2 May 2024.

The intention that Ben Still, Chief Executive of the Combined Authority will be appointed as a deputy CARO be noted.

(Lead Member: Cllr D Jeffery, Director: Liz Hunter)

Resolved:

With respect to Employment Land Accelerator Fund the Combined Authority approved that:

      i.         The Employment Land Accelerator Fund scheme proceed through decision point 2 to 4 (business justification) and work commence on activity 5 (delivery).

     ii.         Approval to the Combined Authority’s contribution of £2,000,000. The total scheme value is £2,000,000.

    iii.         Future approvals be made in accordance with the assurance pathway and approval route and tolerances outlined in the submitted report. Where required, any future committee level approvals be delegated to the Place, Regeneration and Housing Committee.

With respect to Enterprise Zone Langthwaite Business Park Extension the Combined Authority approved that:

      i.         The Enterprise Zone Langthwaite Business Park Extension scheme proceed through decision point 4 (FBC) and work commences on activity 5 (Delivery), subject to the conditions set by the Programme Appraisal Team.

     ii.         Subject to the conditions set by the Programme Appraisal Team, approval of £11,626,000 be given, taking the total approval to £12,678,000. The total scheme value is £12,678,000.

    iii.         Approval of £350,000 development costs, from the total approval, taking the approval to date to £1,402,000.

   iv.         Approval be granted for the purchase of additional land adjacent to Onward Way for provision of the access road.

     v.         Future approvals be made in accordance with the assurance pathway and approval route and tolerances outlined in the submitted report. Where required, any future committee level approvals be delegated to the Place, Regeneration and Housing Committee.

Members considered two schemes for progression through the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Assurance Framework.

Employment Land Accelerator Fund

Officers explained the scheme would support the creation of a pipeline of potential employment sites to create opportunities for future investments. Locations would be identified alongside the partner councils and external consultants to determine the feasibility and future needs of each location. The Place, Regeneration, and Housing Committee had also contributed to the development of criteria for each site.

Members queried how the value for money for each site would be determined Officers responded that the estimation could vary but would be based on the future evaluations of the sites and the potential jobs that could be created as a result. Members questioned when updates would be brought to the members for review, officers responded that evaluations are conducted as a part of the assurance process and members could challenge each scheme at the appropriate decision point. Officers added a similar housing project was currently under evaluation before returning for review by the Combined Authority at a future meeting.

Members queried if the criteria for the identification of sites included their potential, or if the potential was considered after land was identified and suggested that links to transport would be beneficial to encourage public transport and active travel to access the sites. Members also asked if local communities would be able to provide input for the businesses that would occupy the site. Officers responded that the Place, Regeneration, and Housing Committee considered the transport links during the development of the criteria, and there was a focus on sites that were already close to existing or developing mass transit corridors. The Mayor noted that the Backstage Academy was already providing opportunities for young people and similar businesses would further improve the opportunities in any location.

Langthwaite Enterprise Zone – Wakefield

Officers explained the site was already owned by the Combined Authority, and additional funding would allow for the purchase of adjoining land for the development of an access road and further development of the site.

Resolved:

With respect to Employment Land Accelerator Fund the Combined Authority approved that:

      i.         The Employment Land Accelerator Fund scheme proceed through decision point 2 to 4 (business justification) and work commence on activity 5 (delivery).

     ii.         Approval to the Combined Authority’s contribution of £2,000,000. The total scheme value is £2,000,000.

    iii.         Future approvals be made in accordance with the assurance pathway and approval route and tolerances outlined in the submitted report. Where required, any future committee level approvals be delegated to the Place, Regeneration and Housing Committee.

With respect to Enterprise Zone Langthwaite Business Park Extension the Combined Authority approved that:

      i.         The Enterprise Zone Langthwaite Business Park Extension scheme proceed through decision point 4 (FBC) and work commences on activity 5 (Delivery), subject to the conditions set by the Programme Appraisal Team.

     ii.         Subject to the conditions set by the Programme Appraisal Team, approval of £11,626,000 be given, taking the total approval to £12,678,000. The total  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28a

(Lead Member: Cllr S Hinchcliffe, Director: Melanie Corcoran)

Resolved:

With respect to Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Programme the Combined Authority approved that:

      i.         The Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Programme proceed through decision point 2 (strategic outline case) and work commence on individual project business cases as outlined in the submitted report.

     ii.         An indicative approval to the Combined Authority’s contribution of £17,142,000. The total programme value is between £20,642,000 and £32,642,000, dependent on leveraged private sector contributions.

    iii.         Subject to the conditions set by the Programme Appraisal Team, approval to funding of £1,316,000 to progress the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Capability Fund scheme to Activity 5 (Delivery). The total scheme costs are £1,316,000.

   iv.         Indicative approval to funding of £1,500,000 for the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Phase 1 Pilot scheme be given and work commence on Activity 4 (full business case). The total scheme costs are £3,000,000.

     v.         Indicative approval to funding of £14,326,000 for the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Phase 2 scheme be given and work commence on Activity 3 (outline business case). The total scheme costs are £16,326,000.

   vi.         The following development costs be approved:

•       £354,953 for the Combined Authority for the LEVI Capability scheme

•       £ 961,047 for the five West Yorkshire partner local authorities for the LEVI Capability scheme

•       £120,000 for the Combined Authority for the Phase 1 LEVI Pilot scheme and the Phase 2 LEVI scheme

  vii.         The Combined Authority enter into a funding agreement for the amounts set out below with each of the five partner councils for the capability fund:

•       City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council for expenditure of up to £184,480.

•       Calderdale Council for expenditure of up to £195,000.

•       Kirklees Council for expenditure of up to £188,631.

•       Leeds City Council for expenditure of up to £197,936.

•       Wakefield Council for expenditure of up to £195,000.

 viii.         Future approvals be made in accordance with the assurance pathway and approval route outlined in the submitted report and where required, any change requests be delegated to the transport committee. This will be subject to the scheme remaining within the tolerances outlined in the submitted report.

With respect to CRSTS Highways Asset Management and Enhancement Programme and Off Highway Walking and Cycling Network the Combined Authority approved that:

      i.         The CRSTS Highways Asset Management and Enhancement Programme for the 2023/24 financial year (year 2) proceed through decision point 2 to 4 (strategic outline case) and delivery continue to end of 2023/24, and work commence on the strategic outline case for future years.

     ii.         The CRSTS Off Highway Walking and Cycling Network Programme for the 2023/24 financial year (year 2) proceed through decision point 2 to 4 (strategic outline case) and delivery continue to end of 2023/24, and work commence on the strategic outline case for future years.

    iii.         The Department for Transport’s Pothole Fund proceed through decision point 2 to 4 (strategic outline case) and into delivery.

   iv.         An indicative approval be given to the total £248,000,000 for CRSTS Highways Asset Management CRSTS  ...  view the full decision text for item 28b

Members considered five schemes for progression through the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Assurance Framework.

Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Scheme (LEVI)

Officers explained that the Combined Authority had been awarded a total of £17 million of government funding from three different funding pots, for a pilot scheme, a second phase, and additional capacity funding. The scheme would deliver publicly accessible electric vehicle charging points for homes without access to off-street parking. Officers noted that additional private sector funding was being sought to increase the total available funding, which would be distributed between the Combined Authority and the partner councils for local delivery. The Mayor noted that there were additional opportunities to set up training and new jobs regarding the installation and maintenance of charging points which would deliver further value from the scheme.

Members queried what metrics would be measured to identify success and noted that many households could not afford an electric vehicle even with access to new charging points. The Mayor noted that car clubs were considered within the plans to encourage more electric vehicle usage. Officers added that the relative affluence of

communities was taken into consideration, but the object of the scheme was not to incentivise the purchase of a vehicle, but to deliver where chargers were not currently available. The Mayor added that the government had introduced a ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles from 2030 and the scheme would help to support communities towards that eventuality.

Members questioned if there was an estimate of the number of homes with no off-street parking, and if a range of solutions would be considered. The Mayor noted the delivery would be led by the available data to ensure value from the scheme, officers added that the local authority partners would have input into the locations of delivery and the funding would contribute towards the identification of solutions.

Members questioned how the scheme would fit with the published strategies of the Combined Authority. Officers responded that the Local Transport Plan was under revision, and further guidance would be released by the government regarding electric vehicles and parking. Officers added the scheme was at the strategic outline business case stage and further detail would be available once more individual schemes began development.

Members suggested the private sector would favour installation in areas with more potential customers, and faster delivery in higher demand areas would drive down the cost of future installations. Officers noted that the number of required charging points had not yet been calculated, but more information could be circulated to members.

CRSTS Highways Asset Management and Enhancement Programme

and Off Highway Walking and Cycling Network

Officers explained that the scheme would deliver the second and third year of a five-year programme of highway and carriageway improvements. Officers noted it was proposed to enter into agreements with each partner authority to deliver the improvements. Members questioned if pavement parking was taken into consideration and if the Combined Authority had a position on the outlaw of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28b

(Lead Member: The Mayor, Director: Phil Witcherley)

Resolved:

With respect to Bradford City of Culture 2025 the Combined Authority approved that:

      i.         The Bradford City of Culture 2025 scheme proceed through decision point 1 (strategic assessment) and work commence on the business case.

     ii.         Approval be given to the Combined Authority’s contribution of £300,000.

    iii.         The Combined Authority enter into a funding agreement with Bradford Council for expenditure of up to £300,000.

With respect to You Can Make it Here – Creative Industries Skills and Business Support the Combined Authority approved that:

      i.         The You Can Make it Here – Creative Industries Skills and Business Support scheme proceed through decision point 2 to 4 (business justification) and work commence on activity 5 (delivery).

     ii.         Approval to the Combined Authority’s contribution of £1,734,750 be given. The total scheme value is £1,734,750.

    iii.         Future approvals be made in accordance with the assurance pathway and approval route outlined in the submitted report. This would be subject to the scheme remaining within the tolerances outlined in the submitted report. Where required, any future committee level approvals be delegated to the Culture, Heritage, and Sport Committee.

Members considered two schemes for progression through the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Assurance Framework.

The Mayor noted the schemes would feeds into the Creative New Deal and provide training and support for individuals to access creative industries. The Mayor noted almost 48,000 jobs in the creative industries were advertised in West Yorkshire in the preceding year, which was a 17% increase compared to the year before and greater than the national average. The Mayor added that investment in well-paid jobs would increase the available talent and innovation, and support growth across the sector.

Bradford City of Culture 2025

Officers explained the funding would contribute to the development of the business case, which would further confirm the future funding needs. Delivery would be led by the City of Bradford and would help to build capacity in charitable and community organisations ahead of the year of culture. The Mayor noted Bradford had also successfully applied for funding from the Department for Culture, Media & Sport and the Heritage Fund.

Members queried how it could be ensured that local talent would be developed in favour of those travelling from outside of West Yorkshire. The Mayor noted that there had already been many opportunities created, and through assessment of the workforce it could be seen over several years that individuals would progress to more senior roles with the experience they had gained. Officers added that as projects develop there would be better estimations of where people had come from.  Members noted that similar projects had long-lasting impacts beyond the culmination of the scheme and cited the arrival of Channel 4 in Leeds which had provided significant employment for local people.

Members questioned who would decide how the funding was spent. Officers confirmed the initial funding would be to support capacity for small organisations, but future funding needs would be for Bradford to determine.

You Can Make it Here – Skills and Business Support for Culture

Officers explained the scheme would focus on multiple projects, including  development of skills and support, funding for accessibility, and support for freelancers and micro businesses. Soe projects had already achieved success, and officers expressed the aim to develop further knowledge to improve future schemes. The Mayor noted that freelancers had been particularly affected throughout the pandemic and did not always have broad networks, and similar organisations to Brudenell would provide benefit. The Mayor added the Screen Diversity Programme had given positive outcomes for diversity in culture and could be expanded to writers as well as performers.

Resolved:

With respect to Bradford City of Culture 2025 the Combined Authority approved that:

      i.         The Bradford City of Culture 2025 scheme proceed through decision point 1 (strategic assessment) and work commence on the business case.

     ii.         Approval be given to the Combined Authority’s contribution of £300,000.

    iii.         The Combined Authority enter into a funding agreement with Bradford Council for expenditure of up to £300,000.

With respect to You Can Make it Here – Creative Industries Skills and Business Support the Combined Authority approved  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28c

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

Resolved: That the update provided at the meeting on the process to seek new private sector members for the LEP Board be noted.

Members considered a report to provide the Combined Authority with an update on the process to seek new private sector members for the LEP Board.

The Mayor noted that process of integration of the LEP and Combined Authority was ongoing, and the aim was to maintain a strong public and private sector partnership. The Mayor informed members that the recruitment campaign had been undertaken, and appointments made which reflected the diversity of the region. Officers added the delegations for recruitment were agreed at the previous LEP meeting and the appointments had been agreed with the individuals. With the new members the LEP Board would have a full complement of members. Officers confirmed the appointment of the Mayor’s business advisor would continue through the summer.

The new appointments made were:

·       Aaron Holt - Holdson Ltd, based in Kirklees

·       Annette Joseph MBE - Diverse & Equal, based in Leeds

·       Jane Atkinson CBE - Enfinium UK Ltd, based in Wakefield

·       Lisa Johnson - Starship Technologies, based in Leeds

·       Natalie Sykes - James Wilby Ltd, based in Wakefield

·       And Sherin Mathews - AI Tech Ltd, based in Leeds

Existing members of the board were as follows:

·       Fara Butt

·       Nicky Chance-Thompson

·       Asma Iqbal

Resolved: That the update provided at the meeting on the process to seek new private sector members for the LEP Board be noted.

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