Decision details

The report sets out progress and next steps on the Combined Authority’s route to improvement following the external audit report from Grant Thornton and the emerging action plan in response discussed by the Combined Authority Committee in December 2022. The report:

·            Sets out the progress on phase 1 of the Solace peer challenge review of the action plan including Terms of Reference and themes of the response. The independent reviewer will attend the committee to present his phase 1 findings.

·            Sets out feedback from the Audit Committee on the emerging action plan (the Chair of Overview and Scrutiny committee will report back in the meeting), as set out in appendix 4.

·            Requests formal approval of the emerging action plan in the light of feedback, as set out in appendix 3.

·            Provides an update on progress against the emerging action plan since December, as set out in table 1.

The West of England Combined Authority Committee RESOLVED to:

1.          Consider feedback from the Audit and Overview & Scrutiny Committees and approve the action plan as a living document that will continue to be refined as work continues.

2.          Note progress in delivering the emerging action plan.

3.          Agree in principle the broad areas as set out in paragraph 2.3 and presented by the Solace peer reviewer, and delegate to the Combined Authority Chief Executive, in consultation with the Chief Executives of the Unitary Authorities, to incorporate into the action plan as appropriate.