Agenda, decisions and minutes

In the event of a fire, please await direction from South Gloucestershire Council staff who will help assist with the evacuation.   Please do not return to the building until instructed to do so by the fire warden(s).

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and introduced his colleagues around the table;

·       Councillor Mhairi Threlfall attending on behalf of Mayor Marvin Rees from Bristol City Council

·       Councillor Toby Savage, from South Gloucestershire Council

·       Councillor Tim Warren from Bath and North-East Somerset Council

He drew attention to the evacuation procedure and reminded everyone that the meeting was being recorded and will be available on the website following this meeting.

To receive apologies for absence from Members.

Apologies were noted from:

·       Mayor Marvin Rees, Bristol City Council

Professor Stephen West, Chair of the Local Enterprise Partnership

Members who consider that they have an interest to declare are asked to: a) State the item number in which they have an interest, b) The nature of the interest, c) Whether the interest is a disclosable pecuniary interest, non-disclosable pecuniary interest or non-pecuniary interest. Any Member who is unsure about the above should seek advice from the Monitoring Officer prior to the meeting in order to expedite matters at the meeting itself.

None were declared.

To consider and approve the minutes from 2 July 2018 of West of England Joint Committee Meeting.

Resolved:

The minutes of the meeting on 2^nd July 2018 were confirmed as a correct record.

To receive announcements from the Chair of the West of England Combined Authority.

The Chair extended his thanks to South Gloucestershire Council for hosting this meeting at Kingswood Civic Centre, and was keen to share the following positive developments in the region:

·       Government have announced this week their working relationship with WECA on Local Industrial Strategy. This will go a long way in boosting the ambitions of clean and sustainable growth. We will be working with many different local sectors as well as working closely with the LEP.

·       A sum of £220,000 has been granted to set up a new careers hub to help improve careers facilities for young people.

·       We have been invited by Channel 4 to bid to become a Creative Hub for Channel 4. This has been recognised as a great opportunity and we will be working closely to put together a compelling bid with Channel 4.

With regards the Adult Education Budget, we are pleased to announce that government have agreed a devolution of the Adult Education Budget to the Combined Authority. This will allow us to plan regionally how the budget is spent, and ensure positive and inclusive economic growth.

To be presented by the Chair of the West of England LEP.

Professor Stephen West gave his apologies for this meeting.

Members of the public can speak for up to 3 minutes each. The total time for this session is 30 minutes so speaking time will be reduced if more than 10 people wish to speak.

If you wish to present a petition or make a statement and speak at the meeting, you are required to give notice of your intention by noon on the working day before the meeting by e-mail to democratic.services@westofengland-ca.gov.uk.The deadline is 12pm on Thursday 26 July.

If you wish to ask a question at the meeting, you are required to submit the question in writing to democratic.services@westofengland-ca.gov.uk no later than 3 working days before the meeting. The deadline is 5pm on Monday 23 July.

Six questions were submitted for which written answers have been provided. All questions and responses have been attached in Appendix 1.

The Chair confirmed that five statements had been received, and invited attendees to speak in the order their statements had been received. All statements have been attached in Appendix 2.

David Redgewell of South West Transport Network, spoke regarding the West of England Transport Links. He stressed his concerns over the withdrawal of a number of Bus routes, namely the No. 10 and No.12 service as well as the No.51 which has been partly replaced but with no evening or Saturday service.

It is his concern that WECA ensures they take responsibility to fill any gaps in the contract to enable young people to get to school and people to get to work.

The Chair thanked David Redgewell for his comments, and confirmed his statement would be included in the minutes of the meeting.

Christina Biggs of Friends of Suburban Bristol Railways (FOSBR), spoke regarding rail plan proposals for 2018. Christina began by expressing her delight for the £100,000 feasibility study and looked forward to the outcome of this work. She urged WECA to support sustainable solutions to the ongoing Severn Beach line signalling issues and delays, and as a separate point highlighted Pilning as a good option for WECA’s ongoing Clean Air proposals.

The Chair thanked Christina Biggs for her comments, and confirmed her statement would be included in the minutes of the meeting.

Christina Biggs spoke about Thornbury Railway on behalf of Martyn Hall who was unable to attend the meeting. Christina highlighted his ask to consider streamlining the trains through Yate, and therefore accommodate a fast line from Thornbury to Yate. Christina suggested working with GWR to work through the calculations.

The Chair thanked Christina Biggs for her comments on behalf of Martyn Hall, and confirmed his statement would be included in the minutes of the meeting.

Stephen Shield, on behalf of Stoke Gifford Parish Council, gave his apologies for this meeting.

The Chair confirmed his statement regarding Number 10 Bus Service Termination (Wessex Bus Company) had been noted and would be included in the minutes of this meeting.

Cllr Michael Bell spoke regarding the No. 10 Bus Service Withdrawal (Wessex Bus Company). Cllr Bell stated that Stagecoach will not be taking on all the services that were covered by Wessex Bus, and stressed his concern for the removal of the No. 10 bus service. He commented that a year ago, having been faced with the same situation, this service was saved because of campaigning and is frustrated to find it has been withdrawn once again. He stressed that this is a key NHS patient and staff line, and with most Combined Authorities encouraging the use of public transport, he suggested WECA allocate some of our transport budget to retain the No 10 service.

Any member of the West of England Combined Authority may present a petition at a West of England Combined Authority Committee Meeting.

None were declared.

To update Members on progress with the Bus Strategy within the context of the new Joint Local Transport Plan (JLTP).

WECA Committee noted the report.

The Chair introduced a report that updated the committee on progress with the Bus Strategy within the context of the new Joint Local Transport Plan.

It was noted that Combined Authority officers and appointed consultants are working on the strategy to ensure people get moving around the West of England. The Bus Strategy will enhance the services in the region and by the autumn officers will come back to the committee for a discussion on options.

In this report, it was asked that the committee note progress.

Cllr Threlfall made a comment on timescales, and asked whether there would be a delay on the Bus Strategy as a result of the delay to the Joint Transport Plan. In the meantime, with day to day activity, she asked whether we would be able to provide a level of commitment that states we will not wait until next Spring to action concerns (namely in Statements submitted by David Redgewell, Stephen Shield and Cllr Michael Bell).

As this was an information only report there was no voting.

To seek approval for Investment Fund Feasibility and Development Funding applications and change requests for schemes within the current approved programme.

WECA Committee approved the following:

1.    Approve the funding application for the development of the HIF business case as set out in Appendix 1 and allocate up to £1m resource from the Investment Fund.

2.    Approve the funding applications for the development of skills capital projects by Bath and SGS Colleges as set out in Appendix 2 and allocate up to £1.19m resource from the Investment Fund.

3.    Approve the scheme changes requested as set out in Appendix 4 including allocating an additional £400k from the Investment Fund to support development of business cases for the key transport schemes supporting the Joint Spatial Plan.

4.    Approve that the WECA Chief Executive, in consultation with myself as WECA Mayor, be delegated authority to approve the allocation of this funding to relevant activities and that the S151 Officer be authorised to make all necessary amendments to the WECA Budget and the Mayoral Budget for 2018/19 to support the allocation of this funding.

5.    Approve that the authority to submit the HIF bid is delegated to the WECA Director of Infrastructure in consultation with equivalent Directors in B&NES and Bristol and the relevant s.151s in the three Authorities.

The Chair introduced the next paper on the Investment Fund Programme. The report seeks approval for Investment Fund Feasibility and Development Funding applications and change requests for schemes within the current approved programme. The report recommended that the committee approve:

·       The funding application for the development of the HIF business case as set out in Appendix 1 of the report and allocate up to £1m resource from the Investment Fund.

·       The funding applications for the development of skills capital projects by Bath and SGS Colleges as set out in Appendix 2 of the report and allocate up to £1.19m resource from the Investment Fund.

·       The scheme changes requested as set out in Appendix 4 of the report including allocating an additional £400k from the Investment Fund to support development of business cases for the key transport schemes supporting the Joint Spatial Plan.

·       That the WECA Chief Executive, in consultation with the Regional Mayor, be delegated authority to approve the allocation of this funding to relevant activities and that the S151 Officer be authorised to make all necessary amendments to the WECA Budget and the Mayoral Budget for 2018/19 to support the allocation of this funding.

·       That authority to submit the HIF bid is delegated to the WECA Director of Infrastructure in consultation with equivalent Directors in Bath and North East Somerset and Bristol and the relevant s.151s in the three Authorities.

The Chair moved the recommendations.

Cllr Tim Warren seconded the recommendations, commenting that he was happy to support investment in the area that would improve the lives of many.

Cllr Mhairi Threlfall stated that she supported all the proposals, drawing particular attention to the Temple Meads to Keynsham package and felt it was positive we could all work together. 

Cllr Toby Savage commented that he was pleased to see the HIF fund bid taking shape, in particular to Paragraph 9 of the report which welcomes the work WECA are doing with South Gloucestershire. His second point drew attention to Paragraph 14 regarding the funding for a full business case on STEAM business centre, and felt this is a good example of joint working.

The Chair moved to the voting which he confirmed would be in line with the constitution, stating that recommendations 1 – 3 required a unanimous vote of the constituent councils excluding the WECA Mayor.

On being put to the vote the motion was carried unanimously by the constituent councils excluding the WECA Mayor.

Resolved:

1.    Approve the funding application for the development of the HIF business case as set out in Appendix 1 and allocate up to £1m resource from the Investment Fund.

2.    Approve the funding applications for the development of skills capital projects by Bath and SGS Colleges as set out in Appendix 2 and allocate up to £1.19m resource from the Investment Fund.

3.    Approve the scheme changes requested as set out in Appendix 4 including allocating an additional £400k from the Investment Fund to support development of business cases for the key  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

To update the WECA Committee members on the current position with the One Public Estate and in particular the wave 6 bidding round. To seek the views of the WECA Committee and secure their endorsement to move forward with the shaping of the proposed Joint Assets Board (JAB).

WECA Committee agreed to endorse the move forward, at pace, with the shaping of the proposed Joint Asset Board as detailed in section 2.5-2.9.

The Chair introduced the Joint Assets Board as the next agenda item, and explained the Committee were asked to give their views and endorse to move forward, at pace, with the shaping of the proposed Joint Assets Board (JAB) as detailed in section 2.5 – 2.9 of the report.

The Chair moved the recommendation.

Cllr Toby Savage seconded the recommendation.

There were no further comments from members.

The Chair moved to the voting which he confirmed was in line with the constitution, stating the recommendation required a majority decision of the three local authorities and the Combined Authority Mayor.

On being put to the vote the motion was carried unanimously by the three local authorities and the Combined Authority Mayor.

Resolved:

Endorse to move forward, at pace, with the shaping of the proposed Joint Assets Board (JAB) as detailed in section 2.5 – 2.9.

To seek the views of the WECA Committee and secure their endorsement to establish a Mayoral Development Industry Panel.

WECA Committee noted this report.

The Chair introduced the next item on the agenda to note the work on the Development Industry Panel. As part of WECA’s work towards a housing deal and the housing infrastructure fund WECA propose to work with industry, this being addressed in the paper.

Cllr Tim Warren commented that by working together we have an opportunity to deliver strategic housing in the right place.

Cllr Toby Savage shared that he felt comms and engagement is key to unlocking and excelling delivery, which is just as important as having the right resource. He very much welcomed the report.

As this is was information only report there was no voting.

For the WECA Committee to formally ratify the appointment of the Section 151 Officer for the West of England Combined Authority.

1.    WECA Committee agreed to formally ratify the recommendation that Malcolm Coe is appointed as the statutory Section 151 Officer for the West of England Combined Authority.

2.    WECA Committee noted that Tim Richens retains the statutory Section 151 Officer responsibility until the new post holder commences in post.

As part of this agenda item, the Chair was pleased to ask Committee to ratify the last appointment to our Senior Management Team – Malcolm Coe as the Director of Investment and Corporate Services, which comprises the statutory Section 151 Officer function.

The Chair was happy to move the recommendations.

Cllr Mhairi Threlfall seconded the recommendations.

There were no further comments to add from members.

The Chair moved to the voting which was confirmed to be in line with the constitution.

Recommendation 1 required a majority decision of the three local authorities and the Combined Authority Mayor.

On being put to the vote the motion was carried unanimously by the three local authorities and the Combined Authority Mayor.

Resolved:

1.    Formally ratify the recommendation that Malcolm Coe is appointed as the statutory Section 151 Officer for the West of England Combined Authority.

The Chair confirmed that members were asked to note recommendation 2 so no voting was required.

To note that Tim Richens retains the statutory Section 151 Officer responsibility until the new post holder commences in post.

The purpose of this report is to present to the Committee the West of England Combined Authority Annual Governance Statement for 2016-17 and 2017-18 for information.

WECA Committee noted this report.

The Chair introduced the next item on the agenda as the Annual Governance Statement for 2017/2018 where members were presented with the West of England Combined Authority Annual Governance Statement for 2016 – 2017 and 2017- 2018 for information. It was confirmed that this has been approved at Audit Committee. Members were asked to note the content of the report and the Annual Governance Statement.

There were no further comments from members.

As this was an information only report there was no voting.

To present the forecast revenue and capital financial outturn budget monitoring information for WECA and the Mayoral budget for the financial year 2018/19 based on actual data for the period April 2018 to June 2018. Also, to approve a revised Transport Levy for 2018/19 together with other funding adjustments to recognise the latest available financial information.

WECA Committee agreed the following:

1.    To note the Mayoral Fund and WECA revenue and capital budget outturn forecasts as set out in Appendices 1,2 and 3

2.    To agree a Substituted Transport Levy is set for 2018/19 of £4.011m for B&NES, £6,893m for BCC and £2.102m for SGC replacing the original Levy approved in February 2018.

3.    To agree the allocation of a minimum of £74,600 to each of the constituent councils and £15,000 to the WECA Budget from the Apprenticeship Grant for Employers funding in line with Para 4.2.9 and subject to agreeing the final balance and transfer of funding with B&NES Council.

The Chair introduced the next item on the agenda as the Mayoral and WECA Budget Outturn 2018/2019 report which presents the forecast revenue and capital financial outturn budget monitoring information for WECA and the Mayoral budget for the financial year 2018/2019 based on actual data for the period April 2018 to June 2018.

The report also sought approval for a substituted Transport Levy for 2018/2019 together with other funding adjustments to recognise the latest available financial information.

The Chair moved the recommendations.

Cllr Tim Warren seconded the recommendations.

Cllr Toby Savage commented on the Apprenticeship grant (paragraph 15.3) stating that although it was a small amount this was an area with potential to make huge impact and looked forward to the continued work.

The Chair moved to the voting which was confirmed to be in line with the constitution.

Members were asked to note recommendation 1 so no voting was required.

1.    To note the Mayoral Fund and WECA revenue and capital budget outturn forecasts as set out in Appendices 1,2 and 3

Recommendation 2 and 3 required a unanimous vote of the constituent councils excluding the WECA Mayor.

On being put to the vote the motion was carried unanimously by the constituent councils excluding the WECA Mayor.

Resolved:

2.    To agree a Substituted Transport Levy is set for 2018/19 of £4.011m for B&NES, £6,893m for BCC and £2.102m for SGC replacing the original Levy approved in February 2018.

3.    To agree the allocation of a minimum of £74,600 to each of the constituent councils and £15,000 to the WECA Budget from the Apprenticeship Grant for Employers funding in line with Para 4.2.9 and subject to agreeing the final balance and transfer of funding with B&NES Council.

Recommendation 4 required a majority decision of the three local authorities and the Combined Authority Mayor.

On being put to the vote the motion was carried unanimously by the three local authorities and the Combined Authority Mayor.

Resolved:

To agree delegation to the S151 Officer in order to make all necessary adjustments to Mayoral and WECA Budgets to reflect the decisions in 15.2 and 15.3 above.

To approve a Treasury Management Strategy before the start of each financial year, review performance during the year, and approve an annual report after the end of each financial year. This report provides a review of performance to 31^st March 2018.

WECA Committee noted the following documents:

1.    The Treasury Management Report to 31^st March 2018, prepared in accordance with the CIPFA Treasury Code of Practice.

2.    The Treasury Management Indicators to 31^st March 2018.

The Chair introduced the next agenda item as the Treasury Management Outturn Report 2017/2018. It was stated that as an Authority, WECA are required to approve a Treasury Management Strategy before the start of each financial year, review performance during the year, and approve an annual report after the end of each financial year. This report provided a review of performance to 31st March 2018 and has been to our Audit Committee.

The committee were asked to:

-       Note the Treasury Management Report to 31st March 2018, prepared in accordance with the CIPFA Treasury Code of Practice, and

-       Note the Treasury Management Indicators to 31st March 2018

There were no further comments from members.

As this was an information only report there was no voting.

To approve a Treasury Management Strategy before the start of each financial year, review performance during the year, and approve an annual report after the end of each financial year. This report provides a review of performance to 30th June 2018.

WECA Committee noted the following reports:

1.    The Treasury Management Report to 30st June 2018, prepared in accordance with the CIPFA Treasury Code of Practice.

2.    The Treasury Management Indicators to 30th June 2018.

The Chair introduced the next item on the agenda, the treasury management monitoring report April to June 2018/2019.

The committee were are asked to:

-       Note the Treasury Management Report to 30st June 2018, prepared in accordance with the CIPFA Treasury Code of Practice, and

-       Note the Treasury Management Indicators to 30th June 2018

There were no further comments from members.

As this was an information only report there was no voting.

There were no urgent items.

The Chair thanked everyone for attending and confirmed the next meeting will take place on Friday 28^th September 2018.

The meeting closed at 11.16am