Agenda, decisions and minutes

Venue: Due to Covid-19, this meeting will be held remotely and will be livestreamed here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCazjNSGpqZZT41Vibn2ZK9A/live (copy and paste the link in your browser)

Media

Items
No. Item

30.

Apologies for Absence

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Keith Aspden and Denise Jeffery.

31.

Declarations of Disclosable Pecuniary Interests

Additional documents:

Minutes:

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

32.

Exclusion of the Press and Public

Additional documents:

Minutes:

There were no items that required the exclusion of the press and public.

33.

Minutes of the Meeting of the Combined Authority held on 27 July 2020 pdf icon PDF 75 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Resolved:  That the minutes of the meeting of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority held on 27 July 2020 be approved.

34.

Covid-19 pdf icon PDF 309 KB

(Lead Member: Cllr S Hinchcliffe, Director: Brian Archer)

Additional documents:

Decision:

Resolved:

 

(a)       That the progress on the delivery and development of the response to the COVID-19 crisis be noted.

 

(b)       That the first version of the West Yorkshire COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan and supporting detailed propositions be endorsed.

Minutes:

The Combined Authority considered a report of the Director, Economic Services on COVID-19.

 

Members were given an update on progress with the delivery and development of products and services in response to the crisis and discussed the current position. 

 

The Authority endorsed the first complete version of the West Yorkshire Economic Recovery Plan which had been published in draft on the Authority’s website. The plan focusses on three action areas of good jobs and resilient businesses, skills and training and accelerated infrastructure and will continue to be kept under review as the implications of the pandemic continue to develop. 

 

In respect of the transport response, it was reported that Government had announced the continuation of the COVID-19 Bus Services Subsidy Grant (CBSSG) on a rolling eight week basis.  Transport arrangements have been made to support the return to school/college which will need around 60 additional buses.  The Department for Education has awarded £1.9 million to the Combined Authority to meet the cost of the additional school transport provision over the first half term.

 

Resolved:

 

(a)       That the progress on the delivery and development of the response to the COVID-19 crisis be noted.

 

(b)       That the first version of the West Yorkshire COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan and supporting detailed propositions be endorsed.

35.

Capital Spending and Project Approvals pdf icon PDF 1 MB

(Lead Member:  Cllr D Jeffery, Director: Melanie Corcoran)

Additional documents:

Decision:

Resolved:

 

(a)       In respect of TCF: Dewsbury–Batley–Tingley Sustainable Travel Corridor –

 

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

 

(i)        That the Dewsbury–Batley–Tingley Sustainable Travel Corridor package project proceeds through decision point 2 (strategic outline case) and work commences on activity 3 (outline business case)

 

(ii)       That an indicative approval to the total project value of £6 million is granted from 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).

 

(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 package remaining within the tolerances outlined in the report.

 

(b)       In respect of CIP Phase 2 Delivery –

 

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

 

(i)      That the CIP Phase 2 Programme proceeds through decision point 2 (strategic outline case) and work commences on individual schemes to activity 3 (outline business case).

 

(ii)    That an indicative approval to the total programme value of    £47.35 million is given from the West Yorkshire plus Transport Fund with full approval to spend being granted once the schemes have progressed through the assurance process to decision point 5 (full business case with finalised costs).

 

(iii)   That approval be given to development costs of £4 million from the West Yorkshire plus Transport Fund of which £3 million to fund business case development costs in order to progress schemes within CIP Phase 2 to decision point 3 (outline business case) and £1 million to be allocated to support programme resilience and contingency.

 

(iv)   That the Combined Authority enters into a funding agreement with: Kirklees council for expenditure up to £600,000; Calderdale council for expenditure up to £600,000; Bradford council for expenditure up to £670,000; Wakefield council for expenditure up to £1.13 million; all from the West Yorkshire plus Transport Fund.

 

(v)    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 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 Brownfield Housing Fund Programme –

 

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

 

(i)     That the Brownfield Housing Fund programme proceeds through decision point 2 (strategic outline case) and work commences on activity 3 (outline business case) and activity 4 (full business case) for individual schemes coming through the programme.

 

(ii)    That an indicative approval to the total scheme value of £66.779  ...  view the full decision text for item 35.

Minutes:

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

 

·         Transforming Cities Fund (TCF): Dewsbury-Batley-Tingley Sustainable Travel Corridor

·         Corridor Improvement Programme (CIP) Phase 2 Delivery

·         Brownfield Housing Fund Programme

·         Active and Sustainable Travel across Bradford City Centre

·         Connecting employment and skills centres in Dewsbury

·         South Bradford Park & Ride and Expressway

·         Network Navigation – West Yorkshire

·         Transforming access to Bradford Interchange from employment areas – Bradford Interchange Station Access

·         Transforming access to Brighouse and Elland Railway Stations

·         Transforming bus and active travel opportunities between Dewsbury and Bradford (A638)

·         West Bradford – Cycle Superhighway

·         City Connect Phase 3 Canals

·         Tong Street A650 Highway

·         A660 Headingley Hills

·         Enterprise Zone, Langthwaite

·         A61 North

 

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

 

·         Halifax, Walking Cycling and Bus Transformation Package – Halifax Bus Station

·         Real Time Bus Information

 

In respect of the Growing Places Fund, the Authority considered and approved to delegate authority to the Section 73 officer to approve and vary any terms of repayment of individual Growing Places Fund loans, with any variations to be subsequently reported to the Business Investment Panel for information.  

 

Members considered the need to deliver schemes within the tight timescales for Tranche 2 Emergency Active Travel Funding.  It was agreed that because there is no Combined Authority meeting scheduled until 10 November 2020, authority be delegated to the Investment Committee to approve the pathway and to consider and give as appropriate approvals and decisions in relation to the allocation of the funding allocated by the Department for Transport.

 

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

 

Resolved:

 

(a)       In respect of TCF: Dewsbury–Batley–Tingley Sustainable Travel Corridor –

 

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

 

(i)        That the Dewsbury–Batley–Tingley Sustainable Travel Corridor package project proceeds through decision point 2 (strategic outline case) and work commences on activity 3 (outline business case)

 

(ii)       That an indicative approval to the total project value of £6 million is granted from 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).

 

(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 package remaining within the tolerances outlined in the report.

 

(b)       In respect of CIP Phase 2 Delivery –

 

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

 

(i)      That the CIP Phase 2 Programme proceeds through decision point 2 (strategic outline case) and work commences on individual schemes to activity 3 (outline business case).

 

(ii)    That an indicative approval to the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 35.

36.

Getting Building Fund pdf icon PDF 256 KB

(Lead Member: Roger Marsh, Director: Melanie Corcoran)

Additional documents:

Decision:

Resolved:  That the Combined Authority approves:

(a)    That the Getting Building Fund programme proceeds through decision point 2 (strategic business case).

(b)   That each project commences work on activity 4 (full business case) or where relevant a change request is brought forward where the project is an extension to an existing Combined Authority project / programme.

(c)    That an indicative approval to the Combined Authority’s contribution of up to £52.60 million to be funded through the Getting Building Fund is given, with full approval to spend being granted once each of the projects has progressed through the assurance process to decision point 5 (full business case with finalised costs).

(d)   That programme development costs of up to £1 million (2%) and project development costs of £2.63 million (5%) are approved in order to progress the projects to decision point 4 (full business case) and  allocation of these development costs to the individual projects is delegated to the Director of Delivery.

(e)   That the Combined Authority enter into funding agreements with Bradford Council, Calderdale Council, Kirklees Council, Leeds Council and Wakefield Council and other partners, including Canal and River Trust, as necessary for expenditure of up to £2.63 million collectively from the Getting Building Fund (the allocation per project / partner council to be delegated to the Director of Delivery).

(f)    That the assurance tolerances:

·            Any programme cost increase remains within 2% as set out in the submitted report and reallocation of funding between the projects is delegated to the Combined Authority’s Managing Director.

·            Delivery timescales remain within those set out in the submitted report.

(g)    That future approvals are made by the Investment Committee at decision point 4 and through a delegation to the Combined Authority’s Managing Director at decision point 5 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 submitted report.

Minutes:

The Combined Authority considered a report of the Director, Delivery on the Getting Building Fund.

 

Members considered the proposals for the progress of, and funding for, a number of West Yorkshire Combined Authority supported projects that have been approved by Government for funding through the Getting Building Fund.  These included:

 

·         Business Growth Programme, West Yorkshire

·         Huddersfield George Hotel redevelopment

·         Enterprise Zone Expansions: Parry Lane, Bradford and Langthwaite, Wakefield

·         Brighouse A6025 reconstruction

·         Leeds City Centre ‘Grey to Green’ economic infrastructure and public realm

·         Bradford One City Park

·         Holbeck, Leeds Phase 2 Victorian Terrace retrofit

·         Beech Hill Phase 2, Halifax – multi-tenure housing group repair scheme

·         Wakefield Warm Homes Fund – energy efficient heating solutions

·         Dewsbury Arcade

·         Bradford ‘City Village’ Phase 1 – accelerating city centre regeneration

·         Leeds Liverpool Canal Towpath/Cycleway

·         Temple Green, Leeds Park & Ride Expansion

·         Wakefield Business Gigabit Voucher Scheme

·         Knottingley Skills, Business and Service Hub

 

It was noted that the Getting Building Fund schemes had to be substantially

complete by 31 March 2022 and all the grant must be spent by that date.  The projects have already been assessed and agreed as part of the programme by Government and the Investment Committee was in full support of the proposals.

 

The Authority agreed to over-programme by up to £1 million to cover the management costs of the Combined Authority.  In addition to this, an initial approval of £2.63 million was agreed to support the development costs of the projects to ensure resources are in place to bring projects forward as a matter of urgency.

 

Resolved:  That the Combined Authority approves:

 

(a)       That the Getting Building Fund programme proceeds through decision point 2 (strategic business case).

 

(b)       That each project commences work on activity 4 (full business case) or where relevant a change request is brought forward where the project is an extension to an existing Combined Authority project/programme.

 

(c)        That an indicative approval to the Combined Authority’s contribution of up to £52.60 million to be funded through the Getting Building Fund is given, with full approval to spend being granted once each of the projects has progressed through the assurance process to decision point 5 (full business case with finalised costs).

 

(d)       That programme development costs of up to £1 million (2%) and project development costs of £2.63 million (5%) are approved in order to progress the projects to decision point 4 (full business case) and allocation of these development costs to the individual projects is delegated to the Director of Delivery.

 

(e)       That the Combined Authority enter into funding agreements with Bradford Council, Calderdale Council, Kirklees Council, Leeds Council and Wakefield Council and other partners, including Canal and River Trust, as necessary for expenditure of up to £2.63 million collectively from the Getting Building Fund (the allocation per project/partner council to be delegated to the Director of Delivery).

 

(f)        That the assurances tolerances:

·         Any programme cost increase remains within 2% as set out in the submitted report and reallocation of funding between the projects is delegated to the Combined  ...  view the full minutes text for item 36.

37.

Devolution implementation pdf icon PDF 864 KB

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

Additional documents:

Decision:

 

Resolved:

 

(a)    That the report be noted.

 

(b)    That the Summary of Consultation Responses be submitted to the Secretary of State by 11 September 2020, and that approval be given to jointly delegate authority to the Managing Director of the Combined Authority, in consultation with the Leader and Chief Executive of each Constituent Council and the Chair of the Combined Authority, to finalise and submit documents subject to any technical issues which may arise.

 

(c)    That the updated timetable set out in Appendix 2 to the report and the next steps which are subject to the consent being given by the Constituent Councils and Combined Authority, to the draft Order in November 2020 so that a mayoral combined authority model and associated changes may be adopted and implemented by May 2021, as set out in the Deal be noted.

 

(d)   That this decision is exempt from call-in on the grounds of urgency, for the reasons set out in paragraph 6.1 of the report.

 

(e)   That Tom Riordan, Leeds City Council Chief Executive 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 6 May 2021, subject to this appointment being confirmed by the Combined Authority following the devolution Order being made in early 2021.

 

(f)    That the West Yorkshire Combined Authority becomes a full member of the Yorkshire Leaders Board, including providing a financial contribution to support regional working in line with that of the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority and larger constituent local authorities.

Minutes:

The Combined Authority considered a report of the Director, Policy Strategy and Communications on devolution implementation.

 

Members discussed the outcome of the public consultation on the Scheme which had been undertaken jointly by the Constituent Councils and the Combined Authority.  In response to comments raised in respect of future decision making for issues such as planning, housing and spatial development strategy, it was clarified that decisions in relation to the spatial development strategy would need the unanimous consent of each member of the Combined Authority appointed by a Constituent Council (excluding political balancing members).  Decision that directly impact upon a council area (eg. compulsory purchase) would require the consent of the member for the area affected (excluding political balancing members). A summary of the consultation responses has been published on the website and it was agreed that this be submitted to the Secretary of State by 11 September 2020.  In order to ensure that the submission incorporates any issues which may be raised by any Constituent Council or the Combined Authority before 11 September 2020, it was agreed that authority be jointly delegated to the Combined Authority’s Managing Director, in consultation with the Leader and Chief Executive of each Constituent Council and the Chair of the Combined Authority, to finalise and submit documents subject to any technical issues which may arise. 

 

The report set out the next steps for implementing the deal and a revised timetable was attached at Appendix 2 to the submitted report.  It was agreed that the decisions taken in respect of the report be exempt from call-in by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.  This was on the grounds of urgency as any delay caused by the call-in process would prejudice the Combined Authority’s and Constituent Councils’ interests as delaying the submission to the Secretary of State, which would have a significant detrimental impact on the proposed timeline set out in Appendix 2.

 

With regard to the transfer of Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) functions, it was reported that consultants had been appointed to undertake a comprehensive risk assessment of the transfer and a critical path if this is to be achieved by May 2021.  A final report is anticipated in the near future and this will be progressed with a view to resolution prior to the ‘consent stage’ (due in November 2020) for Constituent Councils and the Combined Authority if any issues arise from the due diligence work that require further action.

 

It was reported that Combined Authority officers are working closely with the Electoral Services Manager at Leeds City Council in order to prepare for the election of the Mayor in May 2021.  It was agreed that the Chief Executive of Leeds City Council, Tom Riordan, be appointed as the Combined Authority Returning Officer (CARO), supported by the Combined Authority’s Managing Director, Ben Still, as one of the Deputy Combined Authority Returning Officers.

 

Members considered the invitation for the Combined Authority to become a full member of the Yorkshire Leaders Board.  It was noted  ...  view the full minutes text for item 37.

38.

Adult Education Budget Devolution pdf icon PDF 363 KB

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

Additional documents:

Decision:

Resolved:  That the Adult Education Budget (AEB) Strategy be approved. 

Minutes:

The Combined Authority considered a report of the Director, Policy Strategy and Communications on the Adult Education Budget (AEB) Devolution.

 

The report provided an update on work to develop the AEB Strategy and summarised the method, contents and implications of the draft AEB Strategy consultation. The strategy was being developed as part of preparation to deliver the fund from 1 August 2021. A summary of the key findings was provided in the submitted report and the strategy has been revised based on the consultation responses. 

 

Members discussed and approved the draft AEB Strategy which has been reviewed with the Employment and Skills Panel and relevant officers across West Yorkshire. This will now allow the Authority to agree grant allocations as outlined in the commissioning approach and begin procurement on 1 October 2020 which is essential for meeting delivery deadlines ahead of August 2021.

 

A governance proposal regarding the funds will be brought to the next meeting. 

 

Resolved:  That the Adult Education Budget (AEB) Strategy be approved. 

39.

Strategic Economic Framework pdf icon PDF 404 KB

(Lead Member: Roger Marsh, Director: Alan Reiss)

Additional documents:

Decision:

Resolved:

 

(a)       That the Combined Authority endorse and adopt the concept and content of the Strategic Economic Framework (SEF) and welcome the launch of the SEF as the new overarching economic framework for the region’s policies and strategies.

 

(b)       That the draft text setting out the vision for West Yorkshire, attached at Appendix 1 to the report be approved. 

 

(c)        That the Combined Authority agree that the SEP expires at the end of March 2021, and continues to be used for Growth Deal programmes until then.

 

(d)       That the Combined Authority agree to the intention for future policies, strategies and changes to the SEF to be brought to the advisory panels, LEP Board and Combined Authority for consideration as appropriate.

 

(e)       That regular reviews and updates on the SEF be brought back to the Combined Authority every six months and that future reports on policies indicate whether a consequential change is required to the SEF.

 

(f)        That further detail on proposed indicators for individual policy areas be brought to future meetings.

 

Minutes:

The Combined Authority considered a report of the Director, Policy Strategy and Communications on the Strategic Economic Framework (SEF).

 

It was noted that since 2016, the Strategic Economic Plan (SEP) has set out the Authority’s priorities for growth and development and will continue to be used for Growth Deal programmes until it ends in March 2021.  Members were advised that the Strategic Economic Framework (SEF) has now been developed to reflect the growing range of policy areas that the Combined Authority operates in, changing national political and economic circumstances and the need to incorporate the future mayor’s manifesto commitments.

 

Members discussed the SEF which will form the new overarching economic strategy for the region, setting out the vision and priorities for achieving this. The SEF will be a digital document with five sections: Our Vision, Our Priorities, Our Policies and Strategies, Our Partnerships, and Monitoring and Impact and details were outlined in the submitted report.

 

The SEF will inform the production of the Single Investment Fund strategy and the updated Assurance Framework.  The Combined Authority endorsed the SEF and it was proposed that it be formally reviewed every six months.  Any new policies, strategies or major amendments will be considered by the Combined Authority following consideration by the appropriate advisory panel.

 

Resolved:

 

(a)       That the Combined Authority endorse and adopt the concept and content of the Strategic Economic Framework (SEF) and welcome the launch of the SEF as the new overarching economic framework for the region’s policies and strategies.

 

(b)       That the draft text setting out the vision for West Yorkshire, attached at Appendix 1 to the report be approved. 

 

(c)        That the Combined Authority agree that the SEP expires at the end of March 2021, and continues to be used for Growth Deal programmes until then.

 

(d)       That the Combined Authority agree to the intention for future policies, strategies and changes to the SEF to be brought to the advisory panels, LEP Board and Combined Authority for consideration as appropriate.

 

(e)       That regular reviews and updates on the SEF be brought back to the Combined Authority every six months and that future reports on policies indicate whether a consequential change is required to the SEF.

 

(f)        That further detail on proposed indicators for individual policy areas be brought to future meetings.

 

40.

Statement of Common Ground pdf icon PDF 251 KB

(Lead Member:  Cllr T Swift, Director: Alan Reiss)

Additional documents:

Decision:

Resolved:  That the revised Statement of Common Ground (2020) be endorsed.

Minutes:

The Combined Authority considered a report of the Director, Policy Strategy and Communications on the Statement of Common Ground (SoCG).

 

Members considered the revised Statement of Common Ground which had been updated to reflect the Authority’s joint policy position on matters including mass transit and climate emergency declarations.

 

The Authority endorsed the SoCG which had been prepared in partnership with all participating authorities and a copy was attached at Appendix 1 to the submitted report. 

 

Resolved:  That the revised Statement of Common Ground (2020) be endorsed.

41.

Corporate Planning & Performance pdf icon PDF 168 KB

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

Additional documents:

Minutes:

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

 

Members noted the summaries of the performance against the key performance indictors and strategic organisational risks which were provided in Appendix 1.  A summary of the 2020/21 spend as at July 2020 compared to the approved revenue budget was attached at Appendix 2. 

 

It was reported that regular forecasts will continue to be undertaken during the year to assess the full impact of COVID-19.  The recent government funding announcements on bus are being assessed and updates will be brought to future meetings as well as informing the budget planning process. 

 

It was noted that some flexibility would be built into the 2021/22 budget and business planning. This was because it will be the first year of the Mayoral Combined Authority and the need to take account of any issues arising from the COVID-19 recovery and the formal exit from the European Union. It was proposed that an early draft of the budget would be considered by the Budget Working Group and a report brought to the next meeting of the Combined Authority.

 

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

42.

Minutes for Information pdf icon PDF 173 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Combined Authority noted the minutes of the committees and panels that have been published on the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s website since the last meeting.

 

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