Agenda, decisions and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Tim Swift.

There were no pecuniary interests declared by members at the meeting.

1.         To highlight Appendices 1 and 2 to Agenda Item 13 which officers have identified as containing exempt information within the meaning of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, and where officers consider that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information, for the reasons outlined in the report.

2.         To consider whether or not to accept the officers’ recommendation in respect of the above information as set out in paragraph 5.1 of Agenda Item 13.

3.         If the recommendation is accepted, to formally pass the following resolution:-

RESOLVED – That in accordance with paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of Appendices 1 and 2 to Agenda Item 13 on the grounds that it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the press and public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information and for the reasons set out in the report that in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

Resolved:  That in accordance with paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 2972, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of Appendices 1 and 2 to Agenda Item 13 on the grounds that it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the press and public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information and for the reasons set out in the report that in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

Resolved:  That the minutes of the meeting of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority held on 14 February 2019 be approved and signed by the Chair.

(Member lead: Cllr J Blake, Director: Dave Pearson)

The Combined Authority considered a report of the Director of Transport Services on the current main issues affecting rail services in the City Region. 

The meeting was attended by Anna Jane Hunter, Director, North of England Rail for Network Rail who explained the issues around central Leeds and how Network Rail was addressing them.  She advised that services were almost at the level they were before the May 2018 timetable changes but there was still work to be done.

A full discussion ensued and Members repeated the concerns raised at the previous meeting which had been attended by representatives from Northern and TransPennine Express and expressed their disappointment that Network Rail had not been present.  Whilst noting there had been some improvements to performance, it was stressed that many services continued to be shortformed and were still failing to operate at an acceptable level with the impact on passengers and the local economy being severely affected. 

In respect of rolling stock, Members asked Anna Jane Hunter for confirmation that the Pacer units would be withdrawn by the end of the year.  She advised that it was her understanding that this was the case as the Pacers would be illegal from 1 January 2020 but she would seek clarification.  It was requested that information for when the new trains, timetables and service improvements for the City Region would be implemented be provided at the earliest opportunity so that this could be communicated to the public.

It was considered that the rail industry was fragmented and not fit for purpose.  There was no single accountable body and a fundamental structural change was needed to provide greater transparency, local level accountability and more devolved powers for the North.  Members discussed the work being undertaken by Richard George who had been appointed by the Government to oversee infrastructure and train operations, working closely with Transport for the North, the Rail North Partnership, Network Rail and the train operators. It was noted that his work was highlighting that the constraints at Leeds Station and that the network in central Leeds impacts on service improvements and effects reliability across the City Region.  Recommendations from Richard George and his team were outlined in the report and it was noted that he had been invited to attend the next meeting to explain the main outcomes of the work he had undertaken.

The Combined Authority thanked Anna Jane Hunter for attending the meeting and Members reiterated that for the rail industry to maintain the status quo was not an option and the need to see continued improvements and better communication and engagement with the public was essential to help to restore passenger confidence. 

Resolved:

(a)       That the current issues affecting the delivery of rail services in the City Region be noted.

(b)       That the Combined Authority urges DfT and Network Rail to prioritise the technical capacity analysis needed to determine the rail network requirements in and around central Leeds necessary to bring clarity on the investment required to deliver  ...  view the full minutes text for item 99.

(Member lead: Cllr K Groves, Director: Dave Pearson)

Resolved: 

(a)       That the steps taken to develop the West Yorkshire Bus Alliance and the commitments to improve bus services be endorsed.

(b)       That the Transport Committee oversees the development and signature of a Voluntary Partnership Agreement which will establish the form and processes of the Alliance.

The Combined Authority considered a report of the Director of Transport Services on the West Yorkshire Bus Alliance which:

·         Provided an update in the development of the West Yorkshire Bus Alliance.

·         Set out the next steps in developing the Alliance into a formal agreement incorporating key performance indicators and a delivery plan.

It was noted that the progress towards a formal partnership had been endorsed by the Transport Committee and the West Yorkshire Bus Alliance had been formally launched in March 2019.  It was agreed that the Transport Committee will oversee the Alliance and details of the governance and reporting were outlined in the report.

Members noted the work in progress to create a delivery plan and performance measures which will be considered for adoption by the Transport Committee in July 2019 together with the terms of a formal West Yorkshire wide Voluntary Partnership Agreement prior to signature with bus operators.

In welcoming the Alliance, it was noted that the first priority will be to promote affordable travel for young people and an announcement would be made in the Summer.

Resolved: 

(a)       That the steps taken to develop the West Yorkshire Bus Alliance and the commitments to improve bus services be endorsed.

(b)       That the Transport Committee oversees the development and signature of a Voluntary Partnership Agreement which will establish the form and processes of the Alliance.

(Member lead: Cllr S Hinchcliffe, Director: Alan Reiss)

The Combined Authority considered a report of the Director of Policy, Strategy and Communications which provided an update on the organisational preparation being undertaken by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) as the UK prepares to leave the European Union.

The report highlighted the decision of the LEP Board to endorse a number of options for business support programmes should the UK leave the EU without a negotiated deal.  Details of the specific programmes – Brexit Transition Grant Scheme, Capital Grants Programme, Advice Service and Exporting for Growth Scheme, were provided in the submitted report. 

It was important that the Combined Authority, Local Authorities and partners are as prepared as possible and, as there was still uncertainty regarding the progress of negotiations, Members would be provided with information as it became available. 

Resolved:  That the update and decision of the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Board to endorse a number of options for business support programmes should the UK leave the EU without a negotiated deal be noted.

(Member lead: Cllr P Box, Director: Melanie Corcoran)

Resolved:

(a)       That the Combined Authority approves the revised approval route for the following schemes to enable the Investment Committee to make the decision on behalf of the Combined Authority:

(i)            Halifax Living Housing Programme, Phase 1 – decision point 3

(ii)           City Connect Phase 3 cycling scheme – decision point 3

(iii)         Bradford Heritage Properties, Conditioning House – decision point 3

(iv)         Harrogate Road/New Line – decision point 4

(v)           Halifax Bus Station – decision point 3

(vi)         Bradford Interchange Station Gateway Phase 1 – decision point 3

(vii)        York Outer Ring Road Phase 3 – decision point 4

(viii)       A62/A644 Wakefield road (Cooper bridge) – decision point 3

(ix)         Bradford Interchange Station Gateway Phase 2 – decision point 3

(b)       In respect of the Leeds City Region Growth Service –

That following a recommendation from the Investment Committee, the Combined Authority approves:

(i)         That the Leeds City Region Growth Service project proceeds through decision point 2 (case paper) and work commences on activity 5 (full business case).

(ii)        That an indicative approval to the total project costs of £3,401,756, of which the Combined Authority contribution will be £2,465,413 (which will be funded through £764,535 from the BEIS Growth Hub funding and £1,700,878 from the ESIF funding is given with full approval to spend being granted once the scheme has progressed through the assurance process to decision point 5 (full business case with finalised costs).  The remaining £936,343 will be funded by Leeds City Region District Partners.

(iii)       That the Combined Authority delegates the authority to enter into a funding agreement with Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (ESIF) and BEIS (Growth hub funding) to the Combined Authority’s Managing Director.

(iv)       That the Combined Authority delegates the authority to enter into or amend funding agreements with the local authorities to the Combined Authority’s Managing Director.

(v)        That future approvals are made in accordance with the assurance pathway and approval route outlined in the submitted report including at decision point 5 through a delegation to the Combined Authority’s Managing Director following a recommendation by the Combined Authority’s Programme Appraisal Team.  This will be subject to the scheme remaining within the tolerances outlined in the report.

(c)       In respect of the Resource Efficiency Fund 2 –

That following a recommendation from the Investment Committee, the Combined Authority approves:

(i)         That the Resource Efficiency Fund 2 project proceeds through decision point 2 and work commences on activity 5 (full business case with finalised costs). 

(ii)        That an indicative approval to the total project value for both regions (Leeds City Region and four North Yorkshire districts) of £6.293 million is given as detailed below, with full approval to spend being granted once the project has progressed through the assurance process to decision point 5 (full business case with finalised costs).

·         Leeds City Region element of the project of £4.644 million (subject to a successful ERDF application), of which £2.751 million will be funded by the Combined Authority (£2  ...  view the full decision text for item 102.

The Combined Authority considered a report of the Director of Delivery on the progression and funding for the following schemes through the Combined Authority’s assurance process:

·         Leeds City Region Growth Service

·         Resource Efficiency Fund 2

·         Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme 2

·         A61 (North) Bus Priority Corridor

·         Wakefield South East Gateway

·         A6177 Great Horton Road/Horton Grange Road

·         A6177 Thornton Road/Toller Lane

·         Superfast West Yorkshire and York – Contract 3

In addition to the above, the Combined Authority considered the revised approval routes for the following schemes to enable the Investment Committee to make decisions on behalf of the Combined Authority:

·         Halifax Living Housing Programme – Phase 1 (decision point 3)

·         City Connect Phase 3 Cycling Scheme (decision point 3)

·         Bradford Heritage Properties – Conditioning House (decision point 3)

·         Harrogate Road/New Line (decision point 4)

·         Halifax Bus Station (decision point 3)

·         Bradford Interchange Station Gateway Phase 1 (decision point 3)

·         York Outer Ring Road Phase 3 (decision point 4)

·         A62/A644 Wakefield Road (Cooper Bridge) (decision point 3)

·         Bradford Interchange Station Gateway Phase 2 (decision point 3)

Decisions on the following schemes have been made by the Investment Committee at their meeting held on 13 March 2019:

·         Dewsbury Riverside

·         York Central: Access Road and Station Access Improvements

Details of all the schemes were provided in the submitted report.

Resolved:

(a)       That the Combined Authority approves the revised approval route for the following schemes to enable the Investment Committee to make the decision on behalf of the Combined Authority:

(i)            Halifax Living Housing Programme, Phase 1 – decision point 3

(ii)           City Connect Phase 3 cycling scheme – decision point 3

(iii)         Bradford Heritage Properties, Conditioning House – decision point 3

(iv)         Harrogate Road/New Line – decision point 4

(v)           Halifax Bus Station – decision point 3

(vi)         Bradford Interchange Station Gateway Phase 1 – decision point 3

(vii)        York Outer Ring Road Phase 3 – decision point 4

(viii)       A62/A644 Wakefield road (Cooper bridge) – decision point 3

(ix)         Bradford Interchange Station Gateway Phase 2 – decision point 3

(b)       In respect of the Leeds City Region Growth Service –

That following a recommendation from the Investment Committee, the Combined Authority approves:

(i)         That the Leeds City Region Growth Service project proceeds through decision point 2 (case paper) and work commences on activity 5 (full business case).

(ii)        That an indicative approval to the total project costs of £3,401,756, of which the Combined Authority contribution will be £2,465,413 (which will be funded through £764,535 from the BEIS Growth Hub funding and £1,700,878 from the ESIF funding is given with full approval to spend being granted once the scheme has progressed through the assurance process to decision point 5 (full business case with finalised costs).  The remaining £936,343 will be funded by Leeds City Region District Partners.

(iii)       That the Combined Authority delegates the authority to enter into a funding agreement with Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (ESIF) and BEIS (Growth hub funding) to the Combined Authority’s Managing Director.

(iv)       That  ...  view the full minutes text for item 102.

Resolved - That following a recommendation from the Investment Committee, the Combined Authority approves:

(i)         That the Leeds City Region Growth Service project proceeds through decision point 2 (case paper) and work commences on activity 5 (full business case).

(ii)        That an indicative approval to the total project costs of £3,401,756, of which the Combined Authority contribution will be £2,465,413 (which will be funded through £764,535 from the BEIS Growth Hub funding and £1,700,878 from the ESIF funding is given with full approval to spend being granted once the scheme has progressed through the assurance process to decision point 5 (full business case with finalised costs).  The remaining £936,343 will be funded by Leeds City Region District Partners.

(iii)       That the Combined Authority delegates the authority to enter into a funding agreement with Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (ESIF) and BEIS (Growth hub funding) to the Combined Authority’s Managing Director.

(iv)       That the Combined Authority delegates the authority to enter into or amend funding agreements with the local authorities to the Combined Authority’s Managing Director.

(v)        That future approvals are made in accordance with the assurance pathway and approval route outlined in the submitted report including at decision point 5 through a delegation to the Combined Authority’s Managing Director following a recommendation by the Combined Authority’s Programme Appraisal Team.  This will be subject to the scheme remaining within the tolerances outlined in the report.

In respect of the Leeds City Region Growth Service –

That following a recommendation from the Investment Committee, the Combined Authority approves:

(i)         That the Leeds City Region Growth Service project proceeds through decision point 2 (case paper) and work commences on activity 5 (full business case).

(ii)        That an indicative approval to the total project costs of £3,401,756, of which the Combined Authority contribution will be £2,465,413 (which will be funded through £764,535 from the BEIS Growth Hub funding and £1,700,878 from the ESIF funding is given with full approval to spend being granted once the scheme has progressed through the assurance process to decision point 5 (full business case with finalised costs).  The remaining £936,343 will be funded by Leeds City Region District Partners.

(iii)       That the Combined Authority delegates the authority to enter into a funding agreement with Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (ESIF) and BEIS (Growth hub funding) to the Combined Authority’s Managing Director.

(iv)       That the Combined Authority delegates the authority to enter into or amend funding agreements with the local authorities to the Combined Authority’s Managing Director.

(v)        That future approvals are made in accordance with the assurance pathway and approval route outlined in the submitted report including at decision point 5 through a delegation to the Combined Authority’s Managing Director following a recommendation by the Combined Authority’s Programme Appraisal Team.  This will be subject to the scheme remaining within the tolerances outlined in the report.

Resolved - That following a recommendation from the Investment Committee, the Combined Authority approves:

(i)         That the Resource Efficiency Fund 2 project proceeds through decision point 2 and work commences on activity 5 (full business case with finalised costs). 

(ii)        That an indicative approval to the total project value for both regions (Leeds City Region and four North Yorkshire districts) of £6.293 million is given as detailed below, with full approval to spend being granted once the project has progressed through the assurance process to decision point 5 (full business case with finalised costs).

·         Leeds City Region element of the project of £4.644 million (subject to a successful ERDF application), of which £2.751 million will be funded by the Combined Authority (£2 million ERDF funding for Leeds City Region and £751,137 from the Leeds City Region Local Growth Fund). The remaining funding will be from £1.893 million SME match.

·         York, North Yorkshire and East Riding element of the project of £1.649 million (subject to a successful ERDF application) of which £1.035 million will be funded by the Combined Authority (from £824,522 ERDF funding and £210,122 from the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding region Local Growth Fund, subject to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority submitting a successful bid to the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding LEP; the Combined Authority will be the accountable body for its expenditure for the purposes of this scheme). The remaining scheme costs of £614,000 will be from SME match funding.

(iii)       That the Combined Authority delegates authority to the Combined Authority’s Managing Director to enter into an agreement with North Yorkshire County Council as the accountable body for the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Local Enterprise Partnership (at decision point 5), for the Combined Authority to receive and manage York, North Yorkshire and East Riding match funding contribution of £210,122, subject to a successful bid to the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Local Growth Fund.

(iv)       That the Combined Authority delegates authority to the Combined Authority’s Managing Director to enter into a contract for the provision of the ERDF funding with Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) at decision point 5.

(v)        That future approvals are made in accordance with the assurance pathway and approval route outlined in the submitted report including at decision point 5 through a delegation to the Combined Authority’s Managing Director following a recommendation by the Combined Authority’s Programme Appraisal Team. This will be subject to the scheme remaining within the tolerances outlined in the report.

That following a recommendation from the Investment Committee, the Combined Authority approves:

(i)         That the Resource Efficiency Fund 2 project proceeds through decision point 2 and work commences on activity 5 (full business case with finalised costs). 

(ii)        That an indicative approval to the total project value for both regions (Leeds City Region and four North Yorkshire districts) of £6.293 million is given as detailed below, with full approval to spend being granted once the project has progressed through the assurance process to decision point 5 (full business case with finalised costs).

·         Leeds City Region element of the project of £4.644 million (subject to a successful ERDF application), of which £2.751 million will be funded by the Combined Authority (£2 million ERDF funding for Leeds City Region and £751,137 from the Leeds City Region Local Growth Fund). The remaining funding will be from £1.893 million SME match.

·         York, North Yorkshire and East Riding element of the project of £1.649 million (subject to a successful ERDF application) of which £1.035 million will be funded by the Combined Authority (from £824,522 ERDF funding and £210,122 from the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding region Local Growth Fund, subject to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority submitting a successful bid to the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding LEP; the Combined Authority will be the accountable body for its expenditure for the purposes of this scheme). The remaining scheme costs of £614,000 will be from SME match funding.

(iii)       That the Combined Authority delegates authority to the Combined Authority’s Managing Director to enter into an agreement with North Yorkshire County Council as the accountable body for the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Local Enterprise Partnership (at decision point 5), for the Combined Authority to receive and manage York, North Yorkshire and East Riding match funding contribution of £210,122, subject to a successful bid to the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Local Growth Fund.

(iv)       That the Combined Authority delegates authority to the Combined Authority’s Managing Director to enter into a contract for the provision of the ERDF funding with Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) at decision point 5.

(v)        That future approvals are made in accordance with the assurance pathway and approval route outlined in the submitted report including at decision point 5 through a delegation to the Combined Authority’s Managing Director following a recommendation by the Combined Authority’s Programme Appraisal Team. This will be subject to the scheme remaining within the tolerances outlined in the report.

Resolved - That following a recommendation from the Investment Committee, the Combined Authority approves:

(i)         That the Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme Phase 2 proceeds through decision point 3 and work commences on activity 5 (full business case with finalised costs)

(ii)        That an indicative approval to the Combined Authority’s contribution of up to £3.9 million, which will be funded through Growth Deal 3 is given with full approval to spend being granted once the scheme has progressed through the assurance process to decision point 5 (full business case with finalised costs). The total project value is £112 million.

(iii)       That future approvals are made in accordance with the assurance pathway and approval route outlined in the submitted report including at decision point 5, through a delegation to the Combined Authority’s Managing Director following a recommendation by the Combined Authority’s Programme Appraisal Team. This will be subject to the scheme remaining within the tolerances outlined in the report.

That following a recommendation from the Investment Committee, the Combined Authority approves:

(i)         That the Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme Phase 2 proceeds through decision point 3 and work commences on activity 5 (full business case with finalised costs)

(ii)        That an indicative approval to the Combined Authority’s contribution of up to £3.9 million, which will be funded through Growth Deal 3 is given with full approval to spend being granted once the scheme has progressed through the assurance process to decision point 5 (full business case with finalised costs). The total project value is £112 million.

(iii)       That future approvals are made in accordance with the assurance pathway and approval route outlined in the submitted report including at decision point 5, through a delegation to the Combined Authority’s Managing Director following a recommendation by the Combined Authority’s Programme Appraisal Team. This will be subject to the scheme remaining within the tolerances outlined in the report.

Resolved - That following a recommendation from the Investment Committee, the Combined Authority approves:

(i)         That the Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme: A61 (North) Bus Priority Corridor project proceeds through decision point 3 (outline business case) and work commences on activity 4 (full business case).

(ii)        That an indicative approval to the total project value of £16.1 million is given from Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme funding with full approval to spend being granted once the scheme has progressed through the assurance process to decision point 5 (full business case with finalised costs).

(iii)       That future approvals are made in accordance with the assurance pathway and approval route outlined in the submitted report including at decision point 4 (full business case) and decision point 5 (full business case with finalised costs) through a delegation to the Combined Authority’s Managing Director.

That following a recommendation from the Investment Committee, the Combined Authority approves:

(i)         That the Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme: A61 (North) Bus Priority Corridor project proceeds through decision point 3 (outline business case) and work commences on activity 4 (full business case).

(ii)        That an indicative approval to the total project value of £16.1 million is given from Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme funding with full approval to spend being granted once the scheme has progressed through the assurance process to decision point 5 (full business case with finalised costs).

(iii)       That future approvals are made in accordance with the assurance pathway and approval route outlined in the submitted report including at decision point 4 (full business case) and decision point 5 (full business case with finalised costs) through a delegation to the Combined Authority’s Managing Director.

Resolved - That following a recommendation from the Investment Committee, the Combined Authority approves:

(i)         That the A6177 Great Horton Road / Horton Grange Road scheme proceeds through decision point 3 and work commences on activity 4 (full business case).

(ii)        That an indicative approval to the total project value of £4.205 million is given from the West Yorkshire plus Transport Fund with full approval to spend being granted once the scheme has progressed through the assurance process to decision point 5 (full business case with finalised costs).

(iii)       That additional development costs of £584,007 are approved in order to progress the scheme to full business case with finalised costs (decision point 5), taking the total project approval to £809,007.

(iv)       That the Combined Authority enters in to funding agreement with Bradford Council for expenditure of up to £809,007 from the West Yorkshire plus Transport Fund.

(v)        That future approvals are made in accordance with the approval pathway and approval route outlined in the submitted report, including at decision points 4 and 5 through a delegation to the Combined Authority’s Managing Director following a recommendation by the Combined Authority’s Programme Appraisal Team. This will be subject to the scheme remaining within the tolerances outlined in the report.

That following a recommendation from the Investment Committee, the Combined Authority approves:

(i)         That the A6177 Great Horton Road / Horton Grange Road scheme proceeds through decision point 3 and work commences on activity 4 (full business case).

(ii)        That an indicative approval to the total project value of £4.205 million is given from the West Yorkshire plus Transport Fund with full approval to spend being granted once the scheme has progressed through the assurance process to decision point 5 (full business case with finalised costs).

(iii)       That additional development costs of £584,007 are approved in order to progress the scheme to full business case with finalised costs (decision point 5), taking the total project approval to £809,007.

(iv)       That the Combined Authority enters in to funding agreement with Bradford Council for expenditure of up to £809,007 from the West Yorkshire plus Transport Fund.

(v)        That future approvals are made in accordance with the approval pathway and approval route outlined in the submitted report, including at decision points 4 and 5 through a delegation to the Combined Authority’s Managing Director following a recommendation by the Combined Authority’s Programme Appraisal Team. This will be subject to the scheme remaining within the tolerances outlined in the report.

Resolved - That following a recommendation from the Investment Committee, the Combined Authority approves:

(i)         That the A6177 Thornton Road / Toller Lane scheme proceeds through decision point 3 and work commences on activity 4 (full business case).

(ii)        That an indicative approval to the total project value of £9.662 million is given from the West Yorkshire plus Transport Fund with full approval to spend being granted once the scheme has progressed through the assurance process to decision point 5 (full business case with finalised costs).

(iii)       That additional development costs of £721,670 are approved in order to progress the scheme to decision point 5 (full business case with finalised costs) taking the total project approval to £946,670. 

(iv)       That the Combined Authority enters into an addendum to the existing funding agreement with Bradford Council for additional expenditure of up to £721,670 from the West Yorkshire plus Transport Fund, taking total value of the funding agreements to £946,670.

(v)        That future approvals are made in accordance with the approval pathway and approval route outlined in the submitted report including at decision points 4 and 5 through a delegation to the Combined Authority’s Managing Director following a recommendation by the Combined Authority’s Programme Appraisal Team. This will be subject to the scheme remaining within the tolerances outlined in the report.

That following a recommendation from the Investment Committee, the Combined Authority approves:

(i)         That the A6177 Thornton Road / Toller Lane scheme proceeds through decision point 3 and work commences on activity 4 (full business case).

(ii)        That an indicative approval to the total project value of £9.662 million is given from the West Yorkshire plus Transport Fund with full approval to spend being granted once the scheme has progressed through the assurance process to decision point 5 (full business case with finalised costs).

(iii)       That additional development costs of £721,670 are approved in order to progress the scheme to decision point 5 (full business case with finalised costs) taking the total project approval to £946,670. 

(iv)       That the Combined Authority enters into an addendum to the existing funding agreement with Bradford Council for additional expenditure of up to £721,670 from the West Yorkshire plus Transport Fund, taking total value of the funding agreements to £946,670.

(v)        That future approvals are made in accordance with the approval pathway and approval route outlined in the submitted report including at decision points 4 and 5 through a delegation to the Combined Authority’s Managing Director following a recommendation by the Combined Authority’s Programme Appraisal Team. This will be subject to the scheme remaining within the tolerances outlined in the report.

Resolved - That following a recommendation from the Investment Committee, the Combined Authority approves:

(i)       That the change request to the Superfast West Yorkshire and York – Contract Three project to reduce the total project value to £10.828 million due to changes in funding from Gainshare, DEFRA, BDUK and ESIF / ERDF is approved.

(ii)      That an indicative approval to the total project value of £10.828 million from the funding sources outlined in this report for which the Combined Authority is the accountable body is given, with full approval to spend being granted once the scheme has progressed through the assurance process to decision point 5 (full business case with finalised costs)

(iii)     That future approvals are made in accordance with the approval pathway and approval route outlined in the submitted report including at decision 5 (full business case with finalised costs) through a delegation to the Combined Authority’s Managing Director following a recommendation by the Combined Authority’s Programme Appraisal Team. This will be subject to the scheme remaining within the tolerances outlined in the report.

That following a recommendation from the Investment Committee, the Combined Authority approves:

(i)       That the change request to the Superfast West Yorkshire and York – Contract Three project to reduce the total project value to £10.828 million due to changes in funding from Gainshare, DEFRA, BDUK and ESIF / ERDF is approved.

(ii)      That an indicative approval to the total project value of £10.828 million from the funding sources outlined in this report for which the Combined Authority is the accountable body is given, with full approval to spend being granted once the scheme has progressed through the assurance process to decision point 5 (full business case with finalised costs)

(iii)     That future approvals are made in accordance with the approval pathway and approval route outlined in the submitted report including at decision 5 (full business case with finalised costs) through a delegation to the Combined Authority’s Managing Director following a recommendation by the Combined Authority’s Programme Appraisal Team. This will be subject to the scheme remaining within the tolerances outlined in the report.

(Member lead: Cllr K Groves, Director: Alan Reiss)

Resolved:

(a)       That the West Yorkshire Integrated Transport funded programme for the three year period 2019-22  be approved.

(b)       That the assurance process detailed in the submitted report be approved to gain full approval of the programme including delegation to approve partner council’s programme’s and the Combined Authority’s sub-programmes/projects to the Investment Committee.

The Combined Authority considered a report of the Director of Policy, Strategy and Communications in respect of the Integrated Transport Block (ITB) Programme 2019-2022.

The report and appendix provided details of the proposed ITB funded programme for 2019-2022 that would support delivery of the West Yorkshire Transport Strategy 2040 and Members discussed local transport priorities and value for money. 

It was noted that £39.3 million is the total expected ITB funding for the three year period and details of the allocations that go directly to each of the five West Yorkshire partner councils were provided in Table 1 of the submitted report.  The programme had been developed in partnership with the district councils and the Combined Authority and had been endorsed by the Transport Committee. 

Resolved:

(a)       That the West Yorkshire Integrated Transport funded programme for the three year period 2019-22  be approved.

(b)       That the assurance process detailed in the submitted report be approved to gain full approval of the programme including delegation to approve partner council’s programme’s and the Combined Authority’s sub-programmes/projects to the Investment Committee.

(Member lead: Cllr S Hinchcliffe, Director: Angela Taylor)

Resolved:

(a)       That the gender pay gap and the actions identified to further reduce the gap be noted.

(b)       That the capital strategy attached at Appendix 2 to the submitted report be approved.

(c)        That the intention to review the Combined Authority's current scrutiny arrangements to ensure scrutiny arrangements are in line with best practice nationally and to ensure compliance with new statutory scrutiny guidance expected this year be supported.

(d)       That the Combined Authority delegates authority to the Combined Authority’s Managing Director to approve the Conflicts of Interest Policy and Protocol attached as Appendices 3 and 4 to the submitted report, subject to consultation with the Chair of the Combined Authority and the LEP Chair, and deletes the requirement in the Officer Delegation scheme that the Managing Director consult with the Chair of Overview and Scrutiny Committee before determining any application for a grant or loan where a potential conflict of interest arises.

(e)       That the Combined Authority delegates authority to the Head of Legal and Governance Services to confirm any appointment (made in accordance with a nomination by the relevant partner council) to fill any vacancy for a local authority representative on any committee of the Combined Authority arising after the local elections and before the Combined Authority’s annual meeting.

The Combined Authority considered a report of the Director of Corporate Services which provided an update on corporate matters including:

·         The gender pay report for 2018.

·         The draft capital strategy.

·         Scrutiny arrangements.

·         Conflicts of interest policy and protocol.

·         Local authority appointments.

Members noted the updates and discussed the information provided in the submitted report and appendices.

It was reported that the capital strategy, which was attached at Appendix 2, was a new requirement of the Prudential Code and will assist in informing the medium term financial strategy and decision making on investment.

The Combined Authority was informed that due to the delay in the publication of new statutory guidance, the Overview and Scrutiny Committee had agreed to arrange workshops to review scrutiny arrangements.

The conflicts of interest policy and protocol was endorsed for formal sign off by the Combined Authority’s Managing Director.  This had been further developed to ensure it meets the requirements of the Combined Authority and the LEP and a copy was attached at Appendices 3 and 4.

In respect of local authority appointments, the Combined Authority delegated authority to the Head of Legal and Governance to accept local authority nominations to committees arising after the local elections before the next meeting of the Authority which would help in ensuring meetings held in May and June are quorate.

Resolved:

(a)       That the gender pay gap and the actions identified to further reduce the gap be noted.

(b)       That the capital strategy attached at Appendix 2 to the submitted report be approved.

(c)        That the intention to review the Combined Authority's current scrutiny arrangements to ensure scrutiny arrangements are in line with best practice nationally and to ensure compliance with new statutory scrutiny guidance expected this year be supported.

(d)       That the Combined Authority delegates authority to the Combined Authority’s Managing Director to approve the Conflicts of Interest Policy and Protocol attached as Appendices 3 and 4 to the submitted report, subject to consultation with the Chair of the Combined Authority and the LEP Chair, and deletes the requirement in the Officer Delegation scheme that the Managing Director consult with the Chair of Overview and Scrutiny Committee before determining any application for a grant or loan where a potential conflict of interest arises.

(e)       That the Combined Authority delegates authority to the Head of Legal and Governance Services to confirm any appointment (made in accordance with a nomination by the relevant partner council) to fill any vacancy for a local authority representative on any committee of the Combined Authority arising after the local elections and before the Combined Authority’s annual meeting.

(Member lead: Cllr S Hinchcliffe, Director: Angela Taylor)

Resolved: 

(a)       That the information provided on corporate performance be noted.

(b)       That the 2019/20 corporate plan be endorsed, with a final sign off

delegated to the Managing Director, in consultation with the Chair of the Combined Authority and the LEP Chair.

The Combined Authority considered a report of the Director of Corporate Services which provided an update on corporate performance including progress against corporate plan priorities, risk management and budget position.

The update on progress against the 2018/19 corporate plan headline indicators set out in Appendix 1 was noted.  Whilst the majority of indicators were on track to be met, three were currently assessed as red and these were summarised in the report.  It was reported that a further review of the corporate risk register had been undertaken and four new risks had been added to the register with details provided in Appendix 1.

Members discussed and endorsed the draft content for the 2019/20 corporate plan which was attached at Appendix 2 and agreed that the final sign off be delegated to the Combined Authority’s Managing Director in consultation with the Chair of the Combined Authority and the LEP Chair.  It was suggested that a narrative explaining the roles of the Combined Authority and LEP should be prepared prior to publication.

A summary of the 2018/19 current spend to budget as at December 2018 was attached at Appendix 3 and it was noted that there were currently no ‘red’ areas of concern to report.

Resolved: 

(a)       That the information provided on corporate performance be noted.

(b)       That the 2019/20 corporate plan be endorsed, with a final sign off

delegated to the Managing Director, in consultation with the Chair of the Combined Authority and the LEP Chair.

(Member lead: Roger Marsh, Director: Sue Cooke)

Resolved:

(a)       That the progress to date on the implementation of the new Inclusive Growth criteria and commitments to the Business Growth Programme (BGP) be noted.

(b)       That the proposal to continue the approach to inclusive growth for recipients of business grants be endorsed.

(c)        That LEP Board’s decision to extend the inclusive growth criteria and commitments to the full range of LEP business grants as set out in Appendices 1 and 2 be adopted.

(d)       That it be noted that the approach should be closely monitored for another six-month period.

The Combined Authority considered a report of the Executive Head of Economic Services on a review of inclusive growth for business grants.

The report provided an update on the effectiveness to date of the new approach to securing inclusive growth commitments from recipients of business grants from the LEP’s Business Growth Programme (BGP).

Members welcomed the future approach to inclusive growth commitments from recipients of business grants and in particular the key underpinning ‘proportionality’ principle.  Feedback from consultation with the Business Innovation and Growth Panel, the Inclusive Growth and Public Policy Panel and the Overview and Scrutiny Committee was noted.  The Overview and Scrutiny Committee had welcomed the new criteria and Councillor Smaje outlined some of the recommendations they had made in considering the approach and looked forward to receiving a response from the Combined Authority and LEP in due course.

The Combined Authority adopted the LEP Board’s decision to extend the inclusive growth criteria and commitments to the full range of LEP business grants which were attached at Appendices 1 and 2.  It was noted that the approach would continue to be reviewed for another six month period.

Resolved:

(a)       That the progress to date on the implementation of the new Inclusive Growth criteria and commitments to the Business Growth Programme (BGP) be noted.

(b)       That the proposal to continue the approach to inclusive growth for recipients of business grants be endorsed.

(c)        That LEP Board’s decision to extend the inclusive growth criteria and commitments to the full range of LEP business grants as set out in Appendices 1 and 2 be adopted.

(d)       That it be noted that the approach should be closely monitored for another six month period.

The Combined Authority considered a report of the Director of Policy, Strategy and Communications which provided an update on the latest economic and business intelligence for Leeds City Region.

Resolved:  That the analysis presented in the economic update and dashboard be noted.

The Combined Authority noted the minutes of the committees, panels and LEP Board 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 and the LEP Board be noted.

(Member lead: Cllr S Hinchcliffe, Director: Angela Taylor)

Resolved:  That the advice included in the outline assessment form and any respective conditions at Part 3 of exempt Appendix 2 be approved by the Combined Authority, in its role as the Intermediate Body for the SUD part of the ESIF programme.

The Combined Authority considered a report of the Director of Corporate Services on the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) – Sustainable Urban Development (SUD).

It was reported that one outline application had been received in response to the third round of the SUD call for projects which had closed on 22 February 2019. 

At their meeting on 12 April 2019, the Investment Committee had considered and endorsed the advice included in the outline assessment for the project. In its role as the Intermediate Body, the Combined Authority considered and agreed the advice provided in the exempt appendices.  The assessment form will now be submitted to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) as Managing Authority, for their consideration.  

Resolved:  That the advice included in the outline assessment form and any respective conditions at Part 3 of exempt Appendix 2 be approved by the Combined Authority, in its role as the Intermediate Body for the SUD part of the ESIF programme.