Agenda 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)

Items
No. Item

81.

Apologies for Absence

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received from Shirley Congdon, Kully Thiarai, Baroness Blake and Councillor Jeffery.

 

In noting Baroness Blake’s apologies the Chair advised that Councillor James Lewis was to be the new Leader of Leeds City Council.  Confirmation regarding Baroness Blake’s replacement on the LEP Board was awaited. 

82.

Declarations of Interest

In accordance with the requirements of the LEP Board Members’ Code of Conduct, members have an obligation to review their register of interests before each meeting and to declare any interests.

 

If an interest has not been entered onto the LEP’s register, then members must disclose the interest at any meeting at which they are present and where they have a disclosable interest in any matter being considered and where the matter is not a sensitive interest.

Minutes:

In accordance with the requirements of the LEP Board Members’ Code of Conduct, Members were reminded of their obligations to review their individual register of interests before each LEP Board meeting and to declare any interests.

83.

Exclusion of the Press and Public

Minutes:

There were no items on the agenda requiring the exclusion of the press and public.

84.

Minutes of the meeting held on 20 January 2021 pdf icon PDF 227 KB

Minutes:

Resolved:  That the minutes of the meeting held on 20 January 2021 be approved.

85.

Economic Reporting pdf icon PDF 132 KB

(Led by: Alan Reiss, Author: James Hopton)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Board considered a report of the Director, Policy, Strategy and Communications which provided an update on the latest economic and business intelligence and activity and intelligence around understanding the impact of COVID-19 and EU Exit.

 

Members discussed the latest data and a copy of the Leeds City Region COVID-19 Insights Report was attached at Appendix 1.

 

It was noted that the 2021 Leeds City Region Business Survey was being undertaken and this focussed on understanding businesses’ views and experiences in relation to the pandemic and the end of EU transitions.  The findings of the survey will be reported to a future meeting.

 

Resolved:  That the latest intelligence around the economic impacts of COVID-19 and EU Exit be noted.

 

86.

Covid-19: Economic Recovery and Response pdf icon PDF 283 KB

(Led by: Brian Archer, Author: Ian Smyth)

Minutes:

The Board considered a report of the Director, Economic Services which provided an update on developments around the COVID-19 crisis, including the delivery of products and services in response.

 

Members noted the support being made available to businesses including employment and skills support which was outlined in the report. They discussed the review of the Economic Recovery Plan which was currently being undertaken to reflect the impacts of the crisis including the development of a distinct proposition focussed on culture and the creative arts which was welcomed by Members.  A revised version would be brought to a future meeting.

 

The Combined Authority had approved £13.5 million of gainshare funding to support immediate priority recovery programmes around skills and retraining. It was reported that a further three programmes would be considered at the Authority’s next meeting and the Board endorsed the areas of focus for investment to kickstart progress on the key gaps which were detailed in the report.

 

Resolved:

 

(i)       That the progress on delivering the response to the crisis be noted.

 

(ii)      That the steps being taken to develop a second version of the West Yorkshire Economic Recovery Plan, including the development of a distinct proposition focussed on culture and the creative arts be noted.

 

(iii)      That the three areas of focus for investment to kickstart progress on the Recovery Plan propositions be endorsed.

87.

Panel and Committee Reports pdf icon PDF 241 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Board discussed and noted the Panel reports which were presented for information.

 

The Place Panel had met on 28 January 2021 and had discussed a range of topics and the Board noted the updates provided on the development of the Place Narrative, Brownfield Housing Fund and the delivery of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Zones.

 

Members noted the LEP Capital Programme (Investment Committee) report which provided updates on capital expenditure at quarter 3 2020/21, Growth Deal Annual Performance Review, the Growth Deal economic development expenditure forecasts and closure and Getting Building Fund approvals.  It was reported that the closedown of the Growth Deal portfolio was underway and a list of the 57 economic development projects included in the programme was attached at Appendix 1.  It was noted that 15 of these had achieved financial closure and it was anticipated that the remaining 42 would progress through the assurance process by the end of June 2021.  The Board thanked officers for the work that had been undertaken to deliver the projects during the Growth Deal programme.

 

Resolved:  That the reports be noted.

88.

COVID-19 Economic Recovery - Entrepreneurship pdf icon PDF 347 KB

(Led by: Alan Reiss, Author: Sarah Bowes)

Minutes:

The Board considered a report of the Director, Policy, Strategy and Communications on the Economic Recovery Plan’s ambitions around Entrepreneurship.

 

The Board welcomed the report and Entrepreneurship proposition. The report set out the ambition and possible approach and the Board endorsed the three areas which had been proposed as elements of the ecosystem that would benefit from immediate further investment.

 

Members discussed how opportunities and support could be provided to inspire and engage with people from all diverse communities to set up their own enterprises and also support existing businesses. The importance of the challenging work to co-ordinate the programme was also considered and the following comments were made:

 

·       Work with organisations already involved in delivering local access programmes

·       Communicating/engagement via different platforms and have a regional campaign to raise awareness

·       Work with local authorities, communities and hard to reach groups

·       Look at other business advice available and fill the gaps

·       Help small business who have problems setting up bank accounts

·       Have a clear strand on social entrepreneurship

·       Encourage start ups within the green agenda

·       Target all age groups

 

It was noted that in the absence of full Government funding, the Combined Authority and LEP have been working on what can be done with initial local investment.  A workshop had been held in January 2021 with key stakeholders and the first West Yorkshire Innovation Festival was being held during 15-19 March 2021 at which a series of virtual events would be taking place.

 

Resolved:  That the development of Entrepreneurship support as part of the West Yorkshire Economic Recovery Plan be noted.

89.

Employment & Skills Plan Refresh pdf icon PDF 291 KB

(Led by: Alan Reiss, Author: Sonya Midgley)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Board considered a report of the Director, Policy, Strategy and Communications on the refresh of the Employment and Skills Plan.

 

The report provided an overview and summarised the key components for the  Employment and Skills Framework. Members discussed the strategic context, evidence base and objectives which were provided in Appendix 1 and endorsed the proposal for the revised Employment and Skills priorities to be published as a Framework.  This would set out the strategic aims of the Leeds City Region whilst allowing flexibility to produce further detail within specific plans. The Combined Authority will consider the Framework at their meeting on 9 March 2021.

 

Resolved:  That the proposal for the revised Employment and Skills Framework to be published be endorsed.

90.

Inclusive Growth pdf icon PDF 388 KB

(Led by: Alan Reiss, Author: James Flanagan)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Board considered a report of the Director, Policy, Strategy and Communications on Inclusive Growth.

 

It was noted that at the last meeting, the LEP Board had endorsed the Inclusive Growth Framework for adoption as part of the wider Strategic Economic Framework. 

 

Members considered the revised indicator dashboard which will continue to be updated based on the practical usefulness of the indicators on tracking the delivery of inclusive growth. An updated data set which quantifies some of the issues, inequalities and gaps facing the Leeds City Region was attached at Appendix 1.

 

The Board endorsed in principle the suggested prioritisation for possible ‘early win’ Inclusive Growth interventions from the pipeline. Details were provided in the report and logic models for each proposed intervention ware included at Appendix 2.  Members discussed and welcomed the proposal for the development of a Good Work Standard/Charter and the need to encourage businesses/employers to become involved. It was noted that each intervention/package would be subject to a rigorous value for money appraisal and considered alongside other proposals and further development of costs.

 

Resolved:

 

(i)       That the LEP Board agree the addition to the Inclusive Growth Dashboard of the indicators shown in paragraph 2.5 of the submitted report.

 

(ii)      That the proposed ‘early win’ Inclusive Growth interventions set out in paragraph 2.8 of the submitted be endorsed, noting that any funding decisions rest with the Combined Authority.

 

91.

LEP Budgets and Funding pdf icon PDF 125 KB

(Led by: Angela Taylor, Author: Angela Taylor)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Board considered a report of the Director, Corporate Services which provided an update on funding secured by the LEP and the position going forward.

 

It was noted that the revenue budgets for 2021/22 and indicative capital budget had been approved by the Combined Authority and included funding secured by the LEP. It was noted that no announcements had been made regarding a successor fund to the Growth Deal and details of access to funds such as the Levelling Up Fund are awaited.  The lack of funding to replace the Growth Deal to support the regional economic recovery was concerning and this continues to be brought to the Government’s attention.  It was noted that many of the previous funding programmes cease in 2021 and a summary was attached at Appendix 1.

 

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) have confirmed 2021/22 revenue funding - £500,000 core funding and £520,000 to support the growth hub.  The Board noted the challenges of reduced LEP funding which would leave some programmes, including Enterprise Zones, incomplete and were disappointed that that future FE skills capital funding will be the subject of a bidding process by colleges.  It was however noted that many of the LEP priorities will continue through the Combined Authority and the funding secured in the devolution deal will ensure work on areas such as the Economic Recovery Plans and Adult Education and Skills can continue to progress. 

 

Resolved:  That the LEP Board notes the funding position.

92.

Governance Report pdf icon PDF 318 KB

(Led by: Angela Taylor, Author: Angie Shearon)

Minutes:

The Board considered a report of the Director, Corporate Services on governance arrangements which:

 

·       Provided LEP Board Member with proposals to review the Chair’s final year of tenure as per the agreement in February 2020, following the outcome of the Strengthened Local Enterprise Partnerships review.

·       Sought approval to recommend to the Combined Authority the appointment of a non-voting advisory representative of the TUC to the Employment and Skills Panel.

 

It was noted that in February 2020 the current LEP Chair’s tenure had been extended until the Annual Meeting in June 2022, subject to a light touch review during 2020/21.  Members discussed and agreed the proposals in respect of the review which were outlined in the report including the methodology and timescales.  Roger Marsh took no part in the consideration of the proposal. The outcome of the review would be considered by the LEP Board at their meeting on 28 April 2021.

 

The Board discussed the appointment of a non-voting advisory TUC representative to the Employment and Skills Panel.  It was considered that this would be beneficial to the work of the Panel as they would provide a vital link and insight. It was therefore agreed to recommend such an appointment to the Combined Authority.

 

Resolved:   

 

(i)       That the LEP Board approves the terms of the LEP Chair review as outlined in paragraph 2.4 of the submitted report and for the work to begin.

 

(ii)      That the LEP Board recommends to the Combined Authority the appointment of a non-voting advisory representative of the TUC to the Employment and Skills Panel.

93.

Connectivity Plan pdf icon PDF 278 KB

(Led by: Alan Reiss, Author: Tom Gifford)

Minutes:

The Board considered a report of the Director, Policy, Strategy and Communications on the West Yorkshire Connectivity Plan.

 

Members were updated on the plans for engagement following the recent publication of the West Yorkshire Connectivity Infrastructure Plan, WY Mass Transit Vision 2040 and associated documents. Public and stakeholder engagement would continue until 11 April 2021 and details were outlined in the report. The importance of businesses being able to feed into the engagement was highlighted and Members were asked for any suggestions on how to involve the business community further.  It was noted that business representatives would be invited to attend events and it was proposed to meet with the Business Communications Group to discuss the draft plan. An analysis of responses to the engagement would be prepared and feedback considered by the Combined Authority.

 

Resolved:  That the content of the Connectivity Infrastructure Plan, WY Mass Transit Vision 2040, associated documents and plans for engagement be noted.

94.

Draft Minutes of the Meeting of the Combined Authority held on 4 February 2021 pdf icon PDF 151 KB

Minutes:

Resolved:  That the draft minutes of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority held on 4 February 2021 be noted.

95.

Date of Next Meeting

The next meeting will be held on 28 April 2021

Minutes:

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday 28 April 2021.