Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Chair welcomed attendees to the meeting and introduced the members of the committee.

There were no apologies for absence

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 nonpecuniary 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.

The Chair declared an interest in relation to recommendation 1 of the report of the Independent Remuneration Panel (agenda item 20), which made a recommendation on the allowance to be paid to the Metro Mayor.  He stated that he would not vote on that recommendation.

a. To confirm the minutes of the 3 December meeting of the West of England Combined Authority Committee as a correct record.

b. To confirm the exempt minutes of the 17 December Extraordinary meeting of the West of England Combined Authority Committee as a correct record.

Note:

* The 17 December meeting was a ‘private’ meeting of the committee, held in exempt session, i.e. the press and public were excluded from the meeting.

* The exempt minutes have been circulated to committee members under confidential cover.  If any committee member should wish to discuss any matter relating to these minutes (beyond approving them as a correct record), e.g. a point of clarification or of accuracy, it may be necessary to exclude the press and public from this meeting whilst the matter is discussed.

* In the interests of transparency, a ‘public summary’ of the proceedings of the 17 December meeting is enclosed with these agenda papers.

a. Minutes - West of England Combined Authority Committee – 3 December 2021

RESOLVED –

That the minutes of the meeting of the West of England Combined Authority Committee held on 3 December 2021 be confirmed as a correct record.

b. Exempt minutes - West of England Combined Authority Committee – 17 December 2021

RESOLVED –

That the exempt minutes of the meeting of the West of England Combined Authority Committee held on 17 December 2021 be confirmed as a correct record.

The Chair stated that, following consultation with the Chair of the West of England Combined Authority Overview & Scrutiny Committee, an urgent item would be considered on the agenda relating to the interim appointments of statutory officers.

The Chair informed the meeting that due to the drafting of the Combined Authority Order he did not have a vote or certain items in relation to the budget.  The voting arrangements for each item are indicated.

WRITTEN PUBLIC QUESTIONS (written procedure)

1. Any member of the public can submit a maximum of two written questions in advance of this meeting.

2. The deadline for the submission of questions is 5.00 pm, at least 3 clear working days ahead of a meeting. For this meeting, the deadline for questions is 5.00 pm on Monday 24 January.

3. Questions should be addressed to the Chair of the meeting and e-mailed to democratic.services@westofengland-ca.gov.uk

4. Under the direction of the Chair, wherever possible, written replies to questions will be sent to questioners by the end of the working day prior to the meeting.

5. Please note - under the Combined Authority’s committee procedures, there is no opportunity for oral supplementary questions to be asked at committee meetings.

6. The written questions and replies will be circulated to committee members in advance of the meeting and published on the Combined Authority website.

PUBLIC STATEMENTS

1. Any member of the public may submit a written statement (or petition) to this meeting.

2. Please note that one statement per individual is permitted.

3. Statements must be submitted in writing and received by the deadline of 12 noon on the working day before the meeting. For this meeting, the deadline for statements is 12 noon on Thursday 27 January. Statements should be emailed to democratic.services@westofengland-ca.gov.uk

4. Statements will be listed for the meeting in the order of receipt. All statements will be sent to committee members in advance of the meeting and published on the Combined Authority website.

5. Please note: If any member of the public wishes to attend the meeting to orally present their statement, they are asked please to notify the Combined Authority’s Democratic Services team of this at the point when their statement is submitted and by 12 noon on the working day before the meeting at the very latest. Statements to be presented physically at the meeting will be listed in the order of receipt of notification. The total time available for the public session at this meeting is 30 minutes.

All members of the public attending to present statements are requested please to take a Covid-19 lateral flow test 24 hours before the day of the meeting. Due to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, it may be necessary to limit the number of people who can physically attend the meeting.

The Chair advised that 10 questions had been submitted in advance of this meeting on the following subjects:

Q 1      David Redgewell – Transport – passengers forum

Q 2      David Redgewell - Transport – customer service website

Q 3      Alison Allan – Carbon emissions

Q 4      Suzanne Audrey – City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement

Q 5      Cllr Mark Weston (Bristol CC) – Combined Authority web site – carbon generation

Q 6      Cllr Mark Weston (Bristol CC) – Cancellation of meetings

Q 7      Cllr Vic Pritchard (B&NES) – Mayor’s office

Q 8      Cllr Karen Warrington (B&NES) – Mayor’s office

Q 9      Cllr Alan Hale (B&NES) – Combined Authority comms team

Q 10    Cllr Brian Simmons (B&NES) – Combined Authority comms team

The Chair then confirmed that written replies had been sent to all questioners in advance of the meeting. The questions and replies had been circulated to committee members and were available to view on the Combined Authority web site.

The Chair then advised that 12 statements had been received in advance of the meeting.  The statements had been circulated to committee members and were available to view on the Combined Authority web site.

The following members of the public attended the meeting and addressed the Committee for up to three minutes each on the topic of their statements:

David Redgewell – Budget and transport issues

Cllr Duncan Hounsell – Saltford station

Cllr Joanna Wright – City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement

Ian Barrett – Green Recovery Fund

Cllr David Willcox (on behalf of Cllr Ed Plowden) - Supported bus services procurement

Richard Bonner, Chair of the Local Enterprise Partnership Board gave the following comments on the agenda papers on behalf of the Local Enterprise Partnership Board:

The LEP Board welcomed the meeting and the emphasis on both supporting the region’s recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic and tackling the climate and biodiversity emergency. The papers demonstrated the scale of ambition for the region and the LEP Board was committed to supporting the delivery of these vital projects that would support our region’s recovery.

Regional recovery and adaptions fund

The West of England Covid-19 Recovery Fund had been a lifeline for businesses and people living in the region during the pandemic. The LEP business members were therefore in support of the additional £5m towards the creation of a Regional Recovery and Adaptions Fund which will help businesses tackle the ongoing impact of the pandemic and disruption caused by new variants like Omicron. At its last meeting the LEP Board discussed the impact of the Plan B restrictions and ongoing uncertainty which continues to impact on the region’s businesses, this fund would support the region’s small business in overcoming these challenges.

Green recovery fund

We welcome the update and support the indicative allocations for the £50m Green Recovery Fund and the outlined approach for assessing proposals, particularly around recognising the need to create jobs and increase green skills provision.

Transport Papers

The business community supported the scale and ambition shown through the various transport initiatives and for continuously reviewing its key activities and work programmes to reflect changing priorities as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. These schemes would help deliver our objectives both on lowering carbon emissions and on connecting jobseekers to employment and training opportunities in an efficient and affordable way.

Adult education budget

The Board welcomed the paper setting out direction of travel for the Adult Education Budget. It is positive to see that since being devolved, AEB has already supported 22,800 people to access basic skills to help them find, and progress, within employment. The West of England Skills Advisory Panel chaired by LEP Board members (Chris Grier and Joanne Rumley) has brought together businesses and training providers to highlight areas of focus for Adult Education. It was important that AEB could flexibly respond to skills gaps as they emerged, for example, in sectors like logistics, construction and social care, and in growth areas like digital and green.

The business community also supported the Combined Authority’s bid to DfE for Wave 3 of its national Skills Bootcamps programme, which has the potential leverage more funding into the region to support our skills priorities.    

The Chair advised that Councillor Winston Duguid, Chair of the Combined Authority’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee had submitted written comments following on from the meeting of the committee held on 24 January.  These comments had been circulated in advance of the meeting and were available to view on the Combined Authority web site.

Councillor Duguid presented the comments.

The Combined Authority Committee RESOLVED:

1. To approve a Transport Levy to the constituent councils of £19.5m for 2022/23, with a recharge of £2m applied to North Somerset Council, as detailed in Figure 6.

2. To approve 50% of surplus investment income achieved in 2021/22 to be transferred to the Treasury Management Reserve to cover the risk of capital losses and/or lower financial returns in future years.

3. To approve the Combined Authority budget for 2022/23 as detailed in Appendix 1.

4. To note the Combined Authority forecasted revenue outturn for 2021/22 as detailed in Appendix 2.

5. To approve the Mayoral Budget for 2022/23 together with the funding contribution from the Combined Authority, (Investment Fund), budget of £645k as set out in Appendix 4.

6. To note the Mayoral Fund 2021/22 forecasted revenue outturn as detailed in Appendix 5.

7. To note the Financial Reserves Policy as set out in Appendix 6.

8. To approve ‘opting in’ to the Public Sector Audit Appointment Framework for the commissioning of external audit services for the period 2023/24 to 2027/28.

9. Forgo the transfer of £384k of the 2021/22 transport levy into a Transport Smoothing Reserve and approve investing one-off funding of £384k in further support to regional bus services to protect routes, particularly in rural areas and other communities not well served by public transport, during 2022/23, the details to be developed by the Head of Strategic Transport Integration in consultation with Transport Board members.

10. To approve the creation, and transfer, of £950k from the 2021/22 Transport Levy to a specific earmarked reserve to fund anticipated additional costs of maintaining continuity of bus services prior to the re-tender of major bus routes in August 2022.

The Combined Authority Committee considered a report which sought approval of a revenue budget for the Mayoral functions and for the West of England Combined Authority for 2022/23. (agenda item 9).

Cllr Savage moved an amendment to recommendation (9) and asked for a short adjournment while the amendment was discussed.  On return the amendment was moved by Cllr Savage and seconded by Cllr Guy as follows:

“9. Forgo the transfer of £384k of the 2021/22 transport levy into a Transport Smoothing Reserve and approve investing one-off funding of £384k in further support to regional bus services to protect routes, particularly in rural areas and other communities not well served by public transport, during 2022/23, the details to be developed by the Head of Strategic Transport Integration in consultation with Transport Board members.”

Cllr Guy stated that it was important that rural bus services be supported but that the bulk of the responsibility lay with the Government.  The Metro Mayor stated that he was having ongoing discussions with local MPs on this matter.

The Director of Investment and Corporate Services was asked to address the meeting on the work that was going on to ensure that the Combined Authority was as efficient as possible.  He stated that regular meetings between the authorities took place.  To formalise this good practice an additional narrative would be brought back to the April Committee meeting.  Upon receiving this reassurance Cllr Savage stated that he would not be moving an amendment to recommendation (5).

Upon agreement of this amendment, the recommendations were moved by Metro Mayor Norris and seconded by Cllr Guy.

The voting arrangements for this item were as follows:

Recommendations 1, 3, 5 - Unanimous vote of the constituent councils excluding the Metro Mayor, i.e. the Metro Mayor does not have a vote;

Recommendations 2, 8, 9 & 10 - Majority vote of the constituent councils including the Metro Mayor

Recommendations 4, 6, 7 - To note only – no voting or decision required

The Combined Authority Committee RESOLVED:

1. To approve a Transport Levy to the constituent councils of £19.5m for 2022/23, with a recharge of £2m applied to North Somerset Council, as detailed in Figure 6.

2. To approve 50% of surplus investment income achieved in 2021/22 to be transferred to the Treasury Management Reserve to cover the risk of capital losses and/or lower financial returns in future years.

3. To approve the Combined Authority budget for 2022/23 as detailed in Appendix 1.

4. To note the Combined Authority forecasted revenue outturn for 2021/22 as detailed in Appendix 2.

5. To approve the Mayoral Budget for 2022/23 together with the funding contribution from the Combined Authority, (Investment Fund), budget of £645k as set out in Appendix 4.

6. To note the Mayoral Fund 2021/22 forecasted revenue outturn as detailed in Appendix 5.

7. To note the Financial Reserves Policy as set out in Appendix 6.

8. To approve ‘opting in’ to the Public Sector Audit Appointment Framework for the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

The Combined Authority Committee RESOLVED:

1. To approve the Capital Budget as detailed in Appendix 1.

2. To note the updated Combined Authority Investment Strategy detailed in Appendix 2.

3. To approve the Treasury Management Strategy for 2022/23 detailed in Appendix

3.

4. To agree the specific Highways and Transport Capital Grant allocations totalling £25M to the constituent councils for 2022/23 as set out in Figure 3.

The Combined Authority Committee considered a report which presented the Capital Strategy for the West of England Combined Authority including the:

• Capital budget for 2022/23, and indicative budget up to 2024/25

• Treasury Management Strategy for 2022/23

• Combined Authority Investment Strategy 2021 to 2026

 (agenda item 10).

The Chair then moved the report recommendations.

This motion was seconded by Councillor Guy.

The voting arrangements for this item were as follows:

Recommendations 1, 3 & 4 - Unanimous vote of the constituent councils excluding the Metro Mayor, i.e. the Metro Mayor does not have a vote

Recommendation 2 - To note only – no voting or decision required

The Combined Authority Committee RESOLVED:

1. To approve the Capital Budget as detailed in Appendix 1.

2. To note the updated Combined Authority Investment Strategy detailed in Appendix 2.

3. To approve the Treasury Management Strategy for 2022/23 detailed in Appendix

3.

4. To agree the specific Highways and Transport Capital Grant allocations totalling £25M to the constituent councils for 2022/23 as set out in Figure 3.

The Combined Authority Committee RESOLVED:

1.    To allocate £2m for Strategic Masterplanning from the Investment Fund Headroom and delegate the approval of Feasibility and Development Funding Applications to the Combined Authority Chief Executive in consultation with the Chief Executives of the constituent councils.

2.    To approve the Full Business Case for the Midsomer Norton High Street Market Square Project and award of £770k of additional funding.

3.    To approve the Full Business Case for Common Connections and award of £999k subject to confirmation of the match funding.

4.    To approve the Feasibility and Development Funding Application for the Bath River Line - Bristol Bath Railway Path Extension and award of £75k.

5.    To delegate approval to the Combined Authority Chief Executive in consultation with the Chief Executives of the constituent Councils to enter into funding agreements related to the delivery of the Temple Quarter Regeneration Programme, should there be urgency prior to the next Committee meeting.

6.    The committee recognise the need for new public transport across the region and will build on the previous work carried out on mass transit recognising that tunnels may well be needed in places where there are pinch points due to the historic nature of development including for example around Temple Meads and Gloucester Road.

The Combined Authority Committee considered a report which outlined the extension of the current programme to 2025/26 providing £450m of funding overall.  (agenda item 11).

The Chair commented that this provided an opportunity for the Authority to refocus on delivery on current priorities.

The Chair then moved the report recommendations.

This motion was seconded by Councillor Guy.

An amendment to recommendation (1) was proposed by Cllr Guy and seconded by the Chair as follows:

“To allocate £2m for Strategic Masterplanning from the Investment Fund Headroom and delegate the approval of Feasibility and Development Funding Applications to the Combined Authority Chief Executive in consultation with the Chief Executives of the constituent councils.”

An additional recommendation was proposed by Metro Mayor Norris and seconded by Mayor Rees as follows:

“The committee recognise the need for new public transport across the region and will build on the previous work carried out on mass transit recognising that tunnels may well be needed in places where there are pinch points due to the historic nature of development including for example around Temple Meads and Gloucester Road.”

Mayor Rees commented that the modal shift to decarbonisation would need to be delivered at a region level and that the detail needed to be available with a planned programme of work, including time, dated and costed proposals to deliver the ambition a new public transport system.  Decarbonisation of buildings and transport were key components of meeting the carbon neutral targets.  He stated that there needed to be substance behind the phrase “in consultation with” in the recommendations.

The Chair stated that those proposals would be brought back to a future meeting.

Councillor Guy commented that it was important to deliver these transport priorities for the region and to move forward on transformational greener wellbeing proposals.

Councillor Savage commented that there were concerns about the Spatial Development Strategy and he asked whether dates could be agreed for discussion on that document.  He welcomed the boost to eco-systems that would occur through agreement of Common Connections enhancing the accessibility of habitats from Lyde Green to Willsbridge in particular.

The following recommendation was not agreed by Committee, with the Chair voting in favour, Councillors Savage and Guy voting against and Mayor Rees abstaining:

“2. To return the £11.7m balance of the previous allocations for the Land Acquisition, Development Infrastructure and Housing and Regeneration Enabling Funds, Love Our High Streets and for Business and Skills to create further headroom”.

The voting arrangements for this item were as follows:

For all the recommendations: Majority vote of the constituent councils including the Metro Mayor

The Combined Authority Committee RESOLVED:

1.     To allocate £2m for Strategic Masterplanning from the Investment Fund Headroom and delegate the approval of Feasibility and Development Funding Applications to the Combined Authority Chief Executive in consultation with the Chief Executives of the constituent councils;

2.       To approve the Full Business Case for the Midsomer Norton High Street Market Square Project and award of £770k of additional funding;  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

The Combined Authority Committee RESOLVED:

1. To approve the Change Request for the Spatial Development Strategy and the award of a further £1m from the Investment Fund headroom.

2. To approve the change requests for schemes within the current programme as set out in Appendix 1.

The Combined Authority Committee considered a report which set out the changes requested to the schemes in the current Investment Fund programme. (agenda item 12).

The Chair welcomed the chance to focus on delivery with a transparent process in public.

The Chair then moved the report recommendations.

This motion was seconded by Councillor Guy.

Mayor Rees commented that any commitment to building/changing the physical environment could be controversial so it was important that conversations continued at all levels.

Councillor Savage stated that he looked forward to an opportunity to discuss the Spatial Development Strategy.

Richard Bonner stated that from the business community point of view it was important that the funding continued and that proper consultation took place to ensure that the activities were aligned to the overall strategy.

The voting arrangements for this item were as follows:

For all the recommendations: Majority vote of the constituent councils including the Metro Mayor

The Combined Authority Committee RESOLVED:

1. To approve the Change Request for the Spatial Development Strategy and the award of a further £1m from the Investment Fund headroom.

2. To approve the change requests for schemes within the current programme as set out in Appendix 1.

The Combined Authority Committee RESOLVED:

To allocate £5m towards the creation of a Regional Recovery and Adaptions Fund and delegate the development of detailed assessment criteria and the approval of business cases to the Combined Authority Chief Executive in consultation with the Chief Executives of the constituent Councils.

The Combined Authority Committee considered a report which sought approval for additional funding to support the next phase of regional recovery and adaption in response to the continued economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic (agenda item 13).

The Chair commented that this would help make the region more resilient in response to the pandemic and other non-Covid issues such as supply issues.

The Chair then moved the report recommendations.

This motion was seconded by Councillor Guy.

Mayor Rees commented that he hoped the phrase “in consultation with” stated in the recommendations would be meaningful.  He stated that those hit hardest by the pandemic were the poorest so it was important that they could be reached with any support packages available.

The voting arrangements for this item were as follows: Majority vote of the constituent councils including the Metro Mayor.

The Combined Authority Committee RESOLVED:

To allocate £5m towards the creation of a Regional Recovery and Adaptions Fund and delegate the development of detailed assessment criteria and the approval of business cases to the Combined Authority Chief Executive in consultation with the Chief Executives of the constituent Councils.

The Combined Authority Committee RESOLVED:

* To agree the indicative initial allocations for the £50m Green Recovery Fund and the outlined approach for assessing proposals and awarding funding for priority projects that target the climate and ecological emergencies across the region.

Note: Following agreement for initial allocation of Green Recovery Fund funds, full businesses cases will be developed in collaboration with Unitary Authorities member unitary authorities and brought back to committee for agreement to release specific funding requests as applicable.

The Combined Authority Committee considered a report which provided an update on the Green Recovery Fund, including indicative allocations by priority theme, and outlines the process for developing and assessing proposals (agenda item 14).

The Chair welcomed the opportunity for the region to work together on this issue.

Cllr Savage welcomed the increase in the size of the fund through Committee and hoped that Councils and stakeholders could maximise the green recovery and to demonstrate meaningful impact to residents, businesses and communities.

Cllr Guy stated that this was the most pressing issue currently and that he hoped the Committee were mindful of cost of living rises.

Mayor Rees stated that he felt green recovery also needed to be inclusive recovery with those that were least likely to afford measures not falling through any cracks during any economic restructuring.  He asked for discussions to take place around local supply chains.  Sustainable system change was important.

The voting arrangements for this item were as follows: Majority vote of the constituent councils including the Metro Mayor.

The Combined Authority Committee RESOLVED:

* To agree the indicative initial allocations for the £50m Green Recovery Fund and the outlined approach for assessing proposals and awarding funding for priority projects that target the climate and ecological emergencies across the region.

Note: Following agreement for initial allocation of Green Recovery Fund funds, full businesses cases would be developed in collaboration with Unitary Authorities member unitary authorities and brought back to committee for agreement to release specific funding requests as applicable.

The Combined Authority Committee RESOLVED:

1. To agree the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) Strategic Outline Case submission to the Department for Transport as outlined in Appendix A.

2. To agree a further programme of work to the value of £4.80m (Appendix B) to establish an infrastructure pipeline in order to; secure funding as it becomes available, and to be ready for future CRSTS funding rounds.

3. To agree allocation of £640k revenue from the Investment Fund for those projects (Appendix C) that do not have revenue funding from elsewhere to undertake pre–Outline Business Case work before they become part of the CRSTS capital programme when a successful announcement is made. 

4. To agree and support the principles behind delivering the CRSTS Local Contribution.

5. To agree and support the proposed principles behind the CRSTS governance and delivery.

6. To approve:

o   Cash flow of £5m Maintenance Funding to be repaid to the Investment Fund once CRSTS funding is secured in FY 22/23.

o   Delegate to CEOs the approval of SOBC for A37/A367 (Somer Valley to Bath and Bristol Sustainable Transport Corridor) and commence Outline Business Case for A4 (Hicksgate to Bath) and for the allocation of up to £1.1m from the investment fund tail for bus infrastructure to progress both schemes to the next stages. Subject to Feasibility and Development Application Form by CEOs.

o   The CA will continue to work with the UAs to identify, and source, the required capacity to govern, manage and deliver the CRSTS programme. The CA Director of Investment and Corporate Services will work with the Section 151 Officers of the constituent councils to identify the cost of this capacity and develop relevant funding solutions.

The Combined Authority Committee considered a report which sought approval of the submission of the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement to the Department for Transport on 31 January 2022 (agenda item 15).

The Chair moved the report recommendations.

This motion was seconded by Councillor Savage who welcomed the significant contributions to invest in local transport.  The commitments made by the local councils had been significant in securing this funding and these would be discussed further by his Authority’s Cabinet later in the month.

The voting arrangements for this item were as follows: Majority vote of the constituent councils including the Metro Mayor.

The Combined Authority Committee RESOLVED:

1. To agree the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) Strategic Outline Case submission to the Department for Transport as outlined in Appendix A.

2. To agree a further programme of work to the value of £4.80m (Appendix B) to establish an infrastructure pipeline in order to; secure funding as it becomes available, and to be ready for future CRSTS funding rounds.

3. To agree allocation of £640k revenue from the Investment Fund for those projects (Appendix C) that do not have revenue funding from elsewhere to undertake pre–Outline Business Case work before they become part of the CRSTS capital programme when a successful announcement is made. 

4. To agree and support the principles behind delivering the CRSTS Local Contribution.

5. To agree and support the proposed principles behind the CRSTS governance and delivery.

6. To approve:

o   Cash flow of £5m Maintenance Funding to be repaid to the Investment Fund once CRSTS funding is secured in FY 22/23.

o   Delegate to CEOs the approval of SOBC for A37/A367 (Somer Valley to Bath and Bristol Sustainable Transport Corridor) and commence Outline Business Case for A4 (Hicksgate to Bath) and for the allocation of up to £1.1m from the investment fund tail for bus infrastructure to progress both schemes to the next stages. Subject to Feasibility and Development Application Form by CEOs.

o   The CA will continue to work with the UAs to identify, and source, the required capacity to govern, manage and deliver the CRSTS programme. The CA Director of Investment and Corporate Services will work with the Section 151 Officers of the constituent councils to identify the cost of this capacity and develop relevant funding solutions.

The Combined Authority Committee RESOLVED:

To approve the Full Business case for the ‘On bus tap on/tap off project’ and related financial allocations subject to funding from North Somerset Council.

The Combined Authority Committee considered a report which updated members on the development the On Bus Tap on Tap off project and seeks approval of the Full Business Case.  (agenda item 16).

The Chair moved the report recommendations.

This motion was seconded by Mayor Rees.

The voting arrangements for this item were as follows: Majority vote of the constituent councils including the Metro Mayor.

The Combined Authority Committee RESOLVED:

To approve the Full Business case for the ‘On bus tap on/tap off project’ and related financial allocations subject to funding from North Somerset Council.

The Combined Authority Committee RESOLVED:

1. To note the work that has been done so far with bus operators and local highway authorities on the development of an Enhanced Partnership Plan and Schemes.

2. To grant delegated authority to the Chief Executive of the West of England Combined Authority, in consultation with the Chief Executives of the constituent councils and North Somerset Council, to approve the making of a joint Enhanced Partnership Plan and Schemes for the West of England area (equivalent delegations are being sought at North Somerset Council to deliver a single EP for the region).

The Combined Authority Committee considered a report which sought provided an update on the development of a joint Enhanced Partnership Plan and schemes for buses. (agenda item 17).

The Chair moved the report recommendations.

This motion was seconded by Councillor Guy.

The voting arrangements for this item were as follows:

Recommendation 1 - To note only – no voting or decision required

Recommendation 2 - Majority vote of the constituent councils including the Metro Mayor.

The Combined Authority Committee RESOLVED:

1. To note the work that has been done so far with bus operators and local highway authorities on the development of an Enhanced Partnership Plan and Schemes.

2. To grant delegated authority to the Chief Executive of the West of England Combined Authority, in consultation with the Chief Executives of the constituent councils and North Somerset Council, to approve the making of a joint Enhanced Partnership Plan and Schemes for the West of England area (equivalent delegations are being sought at North Somerset Council to deliver a single EP for the region).

The Combined Authority Committee RESOLVED:

1. That a procurement process be initiated for new local bus service contracts to replace those expiring in August/September 2022, and that authority be delegated to the Head of Strategic Transport Integration, in consultation with relevant Members of the Transport Board, to award new local bus services contracts.

2. That permission for a procurement process be granted for a new local bus service operating on the Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension, if no commercial offer becomes available; and that authority be delegated to the Head of Strategic Transport Integration, in consultation with relevant Members of the Transport Board, to award new a service.

3. That permission for a procurement process be granted for any new local bus services which may be required as a result of the Bus Service Improvement Plan/Enhanced Partnership Plan and that authority be delegated to the Head of Strategic Transport Integration, in consultation with relevant Members of the Transport Board, to award any new local bus services.

4. That permission for a procurement process be granted for any bus service/s that the authority might need to support due to them no longer being commercially viable and that authority be delegated to the Head of Strategic Transport Integration, in consultation with relevant Members of the Transport Board, to award any new local bus services.

The Combined Authority Committee considered a report which set out the arrangements for carrying out the procurement of bus service contracts due to expire in August/September 2022 and for the Cribbs Patchway Metrobus Extension. (agenda item 18).

The Chair moved the report recommendations.

This motion was seconded by Councillor Savage who stated that this showed the importance of collaboration and sharing knowledge and expertise, especially amongst transport officers in the region, and hoped this collaboration be continued.

Councillor Guy commented that the scheme could be extended beyond the West of England area and into North Somerset working with neighbouring authorities and regions.

The voting arrangements for this item were as follows:

For all recommendations: Majority vote of the constituent councils including the Metro Mayor.

The Combined Authority Committee RESOLVED:

1. That a procurement process be initiated for new local bus service contracts to replace those expiring in August/September 2022, and that authority be delegated to the Head of Strategic Transport Integration, in consultation with relevant Members of the Transport Board, to award new local bus services contracts.

2. That permission for a procurement process be granted for a new local bus service operating on the Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension, if no commercial offer becomes available; and that authority be delegated to the Head of Strategic Transport Integration, in consultation with relevant Members of the Transport Board, to award new a service.

3. That permission for a procurement process be granted for any new local bus services which may be required as a result of the Bus Service Improvement Plan/Enhanced Partnership Plan and that authority be delegated to the Head of Strategic Transport Integration, in consultation with relevant Members of the Transport Board, to award any new local bus services.

4. That permission for a procurement process be granted for any bus service/s that the authority might need to support due to them no longer being commercially viable and that authority be delegated to the Head of Strategic Transport Integration, in consultation with relevant Members of the Transport Board, to award any new local bus services.

The Combined Authority Committee RESOLVED:

1. To note and agree the proposed approach for the management and administration of devolved AEB for the 2022/23 academic year.

2. To note the submission of a proposal for National Skills Fund Skills Boot Camp Wave 3 funding.

3. To agree the following decisions are delegated to the WECA CEO in consultation with constituent council CEOs:

a.    Make decisions on the final approach for the 2022/23 academic year

b.    Make decisions on final provider allocations once agreed provider curriculum delivery plans (CDP) are in place.

c.     Make in-year exceptions funding decisions.

d.    Make any in-year growth funding decisions.

e.    Make decisions on provider re-allocations at all operational points including in-year and mid-year.

f.      Make decisions relating to reconciliation and recovery after the end of the 2022/23 academic year.

g.    Make decisions on the purpose and allocation of funds not distributed through the CDP process or funds used for the management and administration of devolved AEB.

h.    Make any required decisions on the final approach for the National Skills Fund Skills Boot Camp Wave 3 funding.

i.      Make funding decisions in relation to the National Skills Fund Skills Boot Camp Wave 3 funding.

The Combined Authority Committee considered a report which sets out details of the proposed approach for the management and administration of the devolved Adult Education Budget for the 2022/23 academic year.  It also includes details of the proposal from the Combined Authority to the Department for Education for National Skills Fund Bootcamp Wave 3 funding (agenda item 19).

The Chair then moved the report recommendations.

This motion was seconded by Mayor Rees.

Councillor Guy commented that the further skills were needed for the green recovery fund and this supported all communities in that venture.

The voting arrangements for this item were as follows:

Recommendations 1 & 3 - Majority vote of the constituent councils including the Metro Mayor

Recommendation 2 - To note only – no voting or decision required

The Combined Authority Committee RESOLVED:

1. To note and agree the proposed approach for the management and administration of devolved AEB for the 2022/23 academic year.

2. To note the submission of a proposal for National Skills Fund Skills Boot Camp Wave 3 funding.

3. To agree the following decisions are delegated to the WECA CEO in consultation with constituent council CEOs:

a.    Make decisions on the final approach for the 2022/23 academic year

b.    Make decisions on final provider allocations once agreed provider curriculum delivery plans (CDP) are in place.

c.     Make in-year exceptions funding decisions.

d.    Make any in-year growth funding decisions.

e.    Make decisions on provider re-allocations at all operational points including in-year and mid-year.

f.      Make decisions relating to reconciliation and recovery after the end of the 2022/23 academic year.

g.    Make decisions on the purpose and allocation of funds not distributed through the CDP process or funds used for the management and administration of devolved AEB.

h.    Make any required decisions on the final approach for the National Skills Fund Skills Boot Camp Wave 3 funding.

i.      Make funding decisions in relation to the National Skills Fund Skills Boot Camp Wave 3 funding.

The Combined Authority Committee RESOLVED:

To approve the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel, which were as follows:

1. RECOMMENDATION:  That the allowance for the WECA Mayor be increased to £72,000* with effect from May, 2021 (when the last election for Mayor took place), and that the allowance be increased in subsequent years, as described in para 13 above (i.e. incremental progression + pay awards)

2. RECOMMENDATION:  That the present position regarding the Deputy Mayor be noted (i.e. that no allowance be paid) and the matter be re-considered once all options relating to this position have been explored and the Mayor’s intentions known.

3. RECOMMENDATION: That an allowance for the Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee be set at £5,625 with effect from May 2021.

4. RECOMMENDATION: That an allowance for the Chair of the Audit Committee be set at £5,625 with effect from May 2021.

5. RECOMMENDATION:  That the allowance for the Independent Adviser to the WECA Audit Committee be set at £650 per annum, subject to the same application of annual pay adjustments as for all other allowances.

6. RECOMMENDATION: That the Panel’s position stated at para 48 be noted and that the allowance for this position be upgraded to £268 per day.

The Combined Authority Committee considered the report of the Independent Remuneration Panel (agenda item 20).

The Chair commented that he would not be voting on the recommendation 1 as it was dealing with matters regarding his allowance.

Mayor Rees moved the recommendations stating that the recommendations were made by an independent panel. Cllr Guy seconded the recommendations.

Councillor Savage abstained from voting on the first recommendation.  He stated that he was taking a similar position as when the issue was last discussed in 2020.

The voting arrangements for this item was as follows: Majority vote of the constituent councils including the Metro Mayor.  The Metro Mayor did not vote on the recommendation 1.

The Combined Authority Committee RESOLVED:

To approve the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel, which were as follows:

1. RECOMMENDATION:  That the allowance for the WECA Mayor be increased to £72,000* with effect from May, 2021 (when the last election for Mayor took place), and that the allowance be increased in subsequent years, as described in para 13 above (i.e. incremental progression + pay awards)

2. RECOMMENDATION:  That the present position regarding the Deputy Mayor be noted (i.e. that no allowance be paid) and the matter be re-considered once all options relating to this position have been explored and the Mayor’s intentions known.

3. RECOMMENDATION: That an allowance for the Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee be set at £5,625 with effect from May 2021.

4. RECOMMENDATION: That an allowance for the Chair of the Audit Committee be set at £5,625 with effect from May 2021.

5. RECOMMENDATION:  That the allowance for the Independent Adviser to the WECA Audit Committee be set at £650 per annum, subject to the same application of annual pay adjustments as for all other allowances.

6. RECOMMENDATION: That the Panel’s position stated at para 48 be noted and that the allowance for this position be upgraded to £268 per day.

This item was taken as an urgent item following consultation with the Chair of the Authority’s Overview & Scrutiny Committee.

The report sought the Committee’s formal endorsement of the intended appointment of interim staff to fill the roles of Director of Legal Services (Statutory Monitoring Officer) and Director of Investment and Corporate Services (Statutory Section73 Officer).

It was moved by the Chair and seconded by Cllr Guy.

The voting arrangements for this item was as follows: Majority vote of the constituent councils including the Metro Mayor.

The Combined Authority Committee RESOLVED:

1. The Committee endorses the appointment of Stephen Gerrard as Interim Director of Legal Services (Statutory Monitoring Officer and Statutory Data Protection Officer);

2. The Committee endorses the appointment of Richard Ennis as Interim Director of Investment and Corporate Services (Statutory Section 73 Officer).

The Chair then closed the meeting at 2.46 p.m.