Agenda, decisions and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Roger Marsh.

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting on Yorkshire Day and provided an update on the latest discussions on devolution and the Combined Authority and Leeds City Region LEP’s response to the Treasury Select Committee’s inquiry into imbalances in the UK economy.  The submission highlighted the current imbalance in investment with Yorkshire and The Humber receiving among the lowest levels of Government spending per head in the country on economic development and transport. The response to the inquiry had provided the opportunity to show that further devolution was urgently needed to empower local political and business leaders to work together to make decisions affecting the Leeds City Region.

The Chair also updated the meeting in respect of devolution.  The One Yorkshire Leaders have written to the new Prime Minister setting out and seeking his commitment to new proposals to urgently unlock the benefits of devolution.  Councillor Hinchcliffe reported that she and Councillor Blake had had positive discussions with Robert Jenrick, in his previous role in the Treasury.  In the recent Cabinet reshuffle, Robert Jenrick had been appointed as the new Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.  It was hoped that there would be further dialogue with Government to the proposed interim arrangements within each sub region to allow meaningful devolution within Yorkshire between now and 2022.

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

1.         To highlight Appendices 1, 2, 3 and 4 to Agenda Item 10 which officers have identified as containing exempt information within the meaning of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1072, 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 4.3 of Agenda Item 10.

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 1072, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of Appendices 1, 2, 3 and 4 to Agenda Item 10 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 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of Appendices 1, 2, 3 & 4 to Agenda Item 10 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 27 June 2019 be approved and signed by the Chair.

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

Resolved:

(a)       In respect of Kirklees Cycling and Walking Early Gateway Transformation Package -

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

(i)            That the Kirklees Cycling and Walking Early Gateway Transformation Package proceeds through decision point 2 (case paper) and work commences on activity 5 (full business case with finalised costs).

(ii)           That an indicative approval is given to the Combined Authority’s contribution of £1.895 million, which will be funded through the Transforming Cities 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). The total project value is £2.2 million.

(iii)         That development costs of £337,000 are approved (including £150,000 for advanced construction works on the Huddersfield element) in order to progress the scheme to decision point 5 (full business case with finalised costs).

(iv)         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.

(b)       In respect of Ultra-Low Emission Bus (ULEB) -

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

(i)         That the Ultra-Low Emission Bus (ULEB) scheme proceeds through decision point 2 and work commences on activity 5 (full business case with finalised costs)

(ii)        That an indicative approval is given to the Combined Authority’s contribution of £1.650 million (which will be funded through £1.033 million from Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme (LPTIP) and £617,000 from the DfT ULEB scheme 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). The total project value of £2.7 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.

(c)        In respect of Kirklees Transport Model -

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

(i)         That the Kirklees Transport Model project proceeds through decision point 2 (case paper) and work commences on activity 5 (full business case with finalised costs).

(ii)        That an indicative approval to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s contribution of £167,000 (which will be funded through £167,000 from the West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund) 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 £334,000.

(iii)       That future approvals are made in accordance with  ...  view the full decision text for item 27.

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:

·         Kirklees Cycling and Walking Early Gateway Transformation Package

·         Ultra-Low Emission Bus (ULEB)

·         Kirklees Transport Model

It was noted that since the last meeting, decisions on the following schemes have been made by the Investment Committee:

·         A629 Phase 4

·         Harrogate Road – New Line Junction Improvement

·         Halifax Station Gateway

·         York Outer Ring Road Junctions Improvement Programme – Phase 1

Members discussed the ULEB and Clean Bus Technology schemes. A change request (activity 6) for the Clean Bus Technology Fund had been recommended to the Combined Authority for approval by the Investment Committee and the funding arrangements for both schemes was clarified.  The significant difference both schemes would make in respect of climate change was highlighted and it was noted that all reports considered by the Investment Committee now looked at the impact projects would have on climate change.

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

Resolved:

(a)       In respect of Kirklees Cycling and Walking Early Gateway Transformation Package -

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

(i)            That the Kirklees Cycling and Walking Early Gateway Transformation Package proceeds through decision point 2 (case paper) and work commences on activity 5 (full business case with finalised costs).

(ii)           That an indicative approval is given to the Combined Authority’s contribution of £1.895 million, which will be funded through the Transforming Cities 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). The total project value is £2.2 million.

(iii)         That development costs of £337,000 are approved (including £150,000 for advanced construction works on the Huddersfield element) in order to progress the scheme to decision point 5 (full business case with finalised costs).

(iv)         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.

(b)       In respect of Ultra-Low Emission Bus (ULEB) -

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

(i)         That the Ultra-Low Emission Bus (ULEB) scheme proceeds through decision point 2 and work commences on activity 5 (full business case with finalised costs)

(ii)        That an indicative approval is given to the Combined Authority’s contribution of £1.650 million which will be funded through £1.033 million from Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme (LPTIP) and £617,000 from the DfT ULEB scheme 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). The total project value is £2.7 million.

(iii)       That  ...  view the full minutes text for item 27.

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

(a)       That the Ultra-Low Emission Bus (ULEB) scheme proceeds through decision point 2 and work commences on activity 5 (full business case with finalised costs)

(b)       That an indicative approval is given to the Combined Authority’s contribution of £1.650 million (which will be funded through £1.033 million from Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme (LPTIP) and £617,000 from the DfT ULEB scheme 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). The total project value of £2.7 million.

(c)        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:

(a)       That the Ultra-Low Emission Bus (ULEB) scheme proceeds through decision point 2 and work commences on activity 5 (full business case with finalised costs)

(b)       That an indicative approval is given to the Combined Authority’s contribution of £1.650 million which will be funded through £1.033 million from Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme (LPTIP) and £617,000 from the DfT ULEB scheme 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). The total project value is £2.7 million.

(c)        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.

(Member lead: Cllr J Blake, Director: Alan Reiss)

Resolved:

(a)       That the principles of the consultation response as detailed in paragraphs 2.16 – 2.23 of the submitted report be endorsed.

(b)       That the final consultation response be approved by the Transport Committee prior to submission on the 6 September 2019.

The Combined Authority considered a report of the Director of Policy, Strategy and Communications which provided an update on the proposed response to the HS2 Phase 2b Design Refinement Consultation which relates to changes to the proposed HS2 route between Woodlesford and the HS2 Leeds station.

The proposed amendment was for the line between Leeds and Woodlesford to be predominantly on a viaduct rather than a combination of ground level, cutting and embankment.  HS2 Ltd are currently consulting on the revised proposals which will have different impacts on the local communities. 

Members discussed the changes and the proposed principles of the Combined Authority’s response which were outlined in the submitted report together with their benefits and dis-benefits.  

It was noted that Leeds City Council, as the planning authority, will be addressing local issues and an outline of their draft response was provided in the report.  It was agreed that the Combined Authority’s final consultation response be approved by the Transport Committee prior to submission on 6 September 2019. 

Resolved:

(a)       That the principles of the consultation response as detailed in paragraphs 2.16 – 2.23 of the submitted report be endorsed.

(b)       That the final consultation response be approved by the Transport Committee prior to submission on the 6 September 2019.

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

Resolved: 

(a)       That the outcome of the Blake Jones Review be endorsed.

(b)       That the update on the Williams Review be noted.

(c)        That an update on Transport for the North’s Action Plan be brought to a future meeting.

The Combined Authority considered a report of the Director of Transport Services which provided an update on the Blake Jones and Williams Rail Reviews.

The “Blake Jones Review of the Rail North Partnership” had been published on 19 July 2019 and the summary document to the review was attached at Appendix 1.  The review identified five recommendations for immediate action and a further four that rely on more fundamental change for longer term implementation which will be considered by the Williams Review.  All the recommendations were set out in the submitted report. 

The Authority welcomed the review and congratulated Councillor Blake on producing the comprehensive report.  Members discussed the importance of the work which would lead to the changes and improvements vital to restoring passenger confidence and providing a robust and reliable rail service.  In response, Councillor Blake thanked officers of the Combined Authority who had led on the work.

Councillor Blake updated the Authority on discussions which had been held at the Transport for the North (TfN) meeting held on 31 July 2019.  TfN had agreed an Action Plan to deliver the recommendations of the Blake Jones Review and to strengthen the associated TfN governance.  The recommendations would be brought forward as a matter of urgency although it was recognised that it would take some time to implement all the changes.  Members stressed that it was essential that scrutiny was in place to question any failures to deliver and that performance against the franchise was monitored.  A report on TfN’s progress with the Action Plan would be brought to a future meeting. 

The report also provided an update in respect of the Williams Rail Review and the transcript of Keith Williams speech, which was made at a Northern Powerhouse Partnership event on 16 July 2019, was attached at Appendix 2.

Resolved: 

(a)       That the outcome of the Blake Jones Review be endorsed.

(b)       That the update on the Williams Review be noted.

(c)        That an update on Transport for the North’s Action Plan be brought to a future meeting.  

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

Resolved:  That the update on the medium term financial strategy and budget planning for 2020/21 be noted.

The Combined Authority considered a report of the Director of Corporate Services which provided an update on the medium term financial strategy (MTFS) and budget planning for 2020/21.

The report set out the key challenges, issues and changes to be considered in setting the 2020/21 budget and establishing a viable MTFS beyond that date.  The next phases of work will be overseen by the budget working group and they will consider the actions already taken, the assumptions underpinning the budget/MTFS and the options available to increase income, reduce expenditure and seek to balance the budget.  It was noted that the actions required and impact on the business plan and financial strategy of the climate change emergency declaration will also be considered.

It was noted that public engagement is planned for later in the year and also engagement with local authority Directors of Finance.

A progress report would be brought to the next meeting.

Resolved:  That the update on the medium term financial strategy and budget planning for 2020/21 be noted.

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

Resolved:  That the information provided on corporate performance be noted.

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 2019/20 Corporate Plan headline indicators set out in Appendix 1 was noted.  A risk workshop had been held with nominated members of the Combined Authority and the Governance and Audit Committee which had focussed on factors influencing the risk appetite for the organisation.  Work will now be undertaken to update the organisational risk appetite statement and a review of the Corporate Risk Management Strategy is progressing.

A summary of the 2019/20 current spend to budget was attached at Appendix 2 and it was noted that there were no ‘red’ areas of concern to report.  The 2018/19 annual accounts had been presented to the external auditor, Mazars, and they had reported their findings to the Governance and Audit Committee.  An unqualified audit opinion, without modification, was given on the financial statements and also an unqualified value for money conclusion.

Resolved:  That the information provided on corporate performance be noted.

Resolved:

(a)       That the progress update and risks associated with the Tranche 2 ‘big bid’ as set out in exempt Appendix 2 to the submitted report be noted.

(b)       That the Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) draft June Strategic Outline Business Case submission as set out in exempt Appendix 1 to the submitted report be noted.

(c)       That the progress update of the Future Mobility Zone bid as set out in exempt Appendix 3 to the submitted report be noted.

(d)       That the use of capital of up to £3 million from the West Yorkshire plus Transport Fund Transformation Programme to fund TCF development work in the short term, to place the Combined Authority and partners in the best possible position to deliver the TCF programme be approved.

(e)       That authority be delegated to the Combined Authority’s Managing Director, in consultation with the Chair of the Transport Committee, to the release of funds for individual schemes to enable progression to Decision Point 1 and Decision Point 2 of the Assurance Framework.

The Combined Authority considered a report of the Director of Policy, Strategy and Communications which provided an update on the Transforming Cities Fund (TCF).

It was noted that the TCF is central to contributing to the Combined Authority’s core aims of enabling inclusive growth, boosting productivity, delivering 21^st century transport and enabling clean growth. 

The Tranche 2 ‘big bid’ Transforming Cities Fund Strategic Outline Business Case (SOBC) had been submitted in draft form to the Department for Transport and members noted the update and considered the additional information including the risks associated with the submission and financial implications which were provided in the four exempt appendices. The final SOBC submission has to be made by 28 November 2019 through co-development with the Department for Transport (DfT) and grant approval would be made by March 2020. 

It was reported that a Future Mobility Zone (FMZ) bid had been submitted to the DfT in May 2019 and this had successfully progressed to the second stage of development.  Details regarding the FMZ were attached at exempt Appendix 4 and it was noted that a detailed submission was being developed and would be submitted in September 2019.

In order to place the Combined Authority and partners in the best position to deliver the programme, it was proposed to use capital of up to £3 million from the West Yorkshire plus Transport Fund Transformation Programme to fund the development work.  It was agreed that approval for the release of funds to enable individual schemes to progress through the assurance process be delegated to the Combined Authority’s Managing Director in consultation with the Chair of the Transport Committee.  The Authority thanked Councillor Groves and the Transport Committee for their work in respect of the Transforming Cities Fund to date.

Resolved:

(a)       That the progress update and risks associated with the Tranche 2 ‘big bid’ as set out in exempt Appendix 2 to the submitted report be noted.

(b)       That the Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) draft June Strategic Outline Business Case submission as set out in exempt Appendix 1 to the submitted report be noted.

(c)       That the progress update of the Future Mobility Zone bid as set out in exempt Appendix 3 to the submitted report be noted.

(d)       That the use of capital of up to £3 million from the West Yorkshire plus Transport Fund Transformation Programme to fund TCF development work in the short term, to place the Combined Authority and partners in the best possible position to deliver the TCF programme be approved.

(e)       That authority be delegated to the Combined Authority’s Managing Director, in consultation with the Chair of the Transport Committee, to the release of funds for individual schemes to enable progression to Decision Point 1 and Decision Point 2 of the Assurance Framework.

The Combined Authority noted the minutes and notes 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 and notes of the Combined Authority’s committees and panels be noted.