Agenda and minutes

Apologies had been received from Councillor Hinchcliffe, Cllr Swift and Cllr Jeffery.

There were no declarations of pecuniary interests at the meeting.

There were no items on the agenda that required the exemption of the press and public.

That the minutes of the last meeting be approved.

Members considered a report that provided an update on the 2022/23 financial performance for the period ending 31 January 2023.

Members noted the financial update on 2022/23 year and some movements within individual budget lines. The 2022/23 figures would be closed in April and May and the results for the year will be reported back at future meeting of the committee.

Expenditure on bus tendered services remained in line with approved expenditure but members noted the volatility around associated and potential risk for the 2023/24 budget.

Work is underway to understand the implications of the recent announcement of further bus recovery grant for both the current and next financial years. The Mayor had written to Government make the case for sustained bus funding rather than 3 month extension which hinder stability and financial planning.

Members noted the capital spend at quarter 3 and asked about the projected expenditure of the Brownfield Housing Fund. Some spend may roll across to the next financial year using the available freedoms and flexibilities.

Members noted the National Evaluation of Gainshare Funding and asked about the process for the review. Members noted that Government had appointed SQW as consultants and officers from the Combined Authority would be able to liaise with them regarding the gateway evaluation.

The Committee noted that as part of the evaluation there would be space to set out the context in which the Combined Authority was operating in, including challenges around Government’s approach to funding.

Resolved: That the report be noted

The Committee considered a report that set out the progress on 2022/23 quarter 3 Key Performance Indicators.

Resolved: That the reports be noted.

Members considered a report that provided an update on the Integrated Corporate Systems project replacing life expired finance, HR, and payroll systems with CIAnywhere.

Acceptance testing was underway and close to conclusion and the final go live approval had yet to be confirmed, but members noted that it was expected to be in April.

Resolved: That the progress on the implementation of CiAnywhere be noted.