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 attendees to the meeting and introduced the members of the committee.

To receive apologies for absence from Members.

Apologies for absence were received from Mayor Marvin Rees. Councillor Craig Cheney attended the meeting as a substitute.

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.

There were none.

To consider and approve the minutes from 28^th January 2022.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on Friday 28th January 2022 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

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

There were none.

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 7^th April 2022.

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 clear working days before the meeting. The deadline is 5pm on Monday 4^th April 2022.

The Chair advised that 9 questions had been submitted in advance of this meeting on the following subjects:

Q 1 Cllr Mark Weston (Bristol CC) – Metro Mayor’s email address

Q 2 Suzanne Audrey – North Somerset joining West of England Combined Authority

Q 3 Colin Gardner – Spatial Development Strategy and Local Plans

Q 4 David Redgewell – Transport issues

Q 5 David Redgewell – Levelling Up and Integrated Transport Authority

Q 6 Leslie Forrest – Spatial Development Strategy

Q 7 Cllr Vic Pritchard (B&NES) – Combined Authority’s employment statistics

Q 8 Cllr Vic Pritchard (B&NES) – Combined Authority’s employment statistics

Q 9 David Worskett,– Spatial Development Strategy

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 14 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:

Amy Elizabeth Cotterell - City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement

Steve Dale – Items 13, 14 and 15 on the agenda

Colin Gardner– Spatial Development Strategy

Ian Barrett – Climate and Ecological Emergency Strategy and Green Recovery Fund

Cllr Emma Edwards (Bristol CC) – Climate and Ecological Emergency Strategy 

Mark Coates – The Courts

Carlo Hornilla – The Courts

Hari Ramakrishnan – The Courts

Note: a statement from David Redgewell on Budget and Transport Issues has been read out by the Monitoring Officer.

To be presented by the Chairs of the West of England LEP and West of England Combined Authority Overview and Scrutiny.

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:

Combined Authority Investments 

• We face a period of continued uncertainty as we move to a new stage of the pandemic and start to understand more about the human and economic costs of the terrible events unfolding in Ukraine.    
• As we discovered during the Covid Economic Recovery Taskforce, the ability to be agile and flex delivery to respond to uncertainty and to support business and learners to adapt to changing circumstances, is vital, and pleasing to see that we appear to be doing that through the Combined Authority and partners. 
• I welcome the proposed changes to the Investment Fund that will enable progress on a range of ambitious activities to improve transport links, invest in our high streets and workspaces, improve the environment and support young people through our Careers Hub.  I have spoken here before about the importance of resolving the Flood alleviation strategy and plans for Bristol and that particular investment item is pleasing to see. 
• The proposal to increase the Regional Recovery and adaptions fund by a further £5M will offer further to support to our region during times of continued uncertainty. 
• I note the proposed reporting and delivery assurance process which will strengthen the existing approach to reporting and escalation of delays and cost changes to provide better transparency on progress.  I also note the ‘use it or lose it’ principle which will help partners and the Combined Authority in ensuring money is put to best use for the benefit of those who live, work in and visit the region. This will be essential as we start to move forwards with plans for the delivery of the City Regional Sustainable Transport Settlement. 

? 

Climate and Ecological Emergency 

• This assurance process will also support delivery of the actions that will be needed to meet our 2030 ambition to achieve net zero, as set out in the Climate and Ecological Emergency Strategy and Action Plan.  
• The scale of the challenge we face regionally, nationally and globally, is unprecedented and there will be some difficult decisions to take as we progress.  
• I note the progress to date in bringing together key stakeholders and business across the region, creating a £50m Green Recovery Fund, and launching new programmes to support residents and businesses. I fully support the proposal for the plan to be a living document that keeps pace with changes in our understanding of the challenges and responds to the levers available to us to respond.  As we saw yesterday, the Government announced an energy strategy, and whilst I felt there were several matters missing (ie energy reduction), we do need to flex to emerging policy and technology. 

• I welcome the proposals set out in the plan including the details of the approach to allocation of the Green Recovery Fund and the proposed investments of £1.45M for a Community Pollinator Fund seeking to improve biodiversity,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

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

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 4^th April. 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.

This report presents the revenue budget financial outturn information for the West of England Combined Authority and the Mayoral budget for the financial year 2021/22 based on data for the period April to February 2022.

The Combined Authority Committee RESOLVED to:

1)     Note the Mayoral Fund forecasted revenue outturn as detailed in Appendix 1;

2)     Note the Combined Authority forecasted revenue outturn as detailed in Appendix 2;

3)     Requests officers to undertake a risk-based assessment of reserves requirements as part of closing down the accounts for 2021/22;

4)     Produce a paper for the next committee that reviews and forecasts the business rates position for 2022/23.

The Combined Authority considered a report which presented the revenue budget financial outturn information for the West of England Combined Authority and the Mayoral budget for the financial year 2021/22 based on data for the period April to February 2022.

The Chair moved the report recommendations.

This motion was seconded by Councillor Guy.

Councillor Craig Cheney commented that he would support the report, yet he was disappointed with reduced DfT Highways Capital Maintenance funding (which is passported to the constituent authorities). This would be a cost that Councils would need to carry and could have material impact on the quality of the roads and other transport infrastructure.

The voting arrangements for this item were as follows:

Recommendations 1 and 2 - To note only – no voting or decision required.

Recommendations 3 and 4 - Majority vote of the constituent councils including the

Metro Mayor.

The Combined Authority Committee RESOLVED to:

1)     Note the Mayoral Fund forecasted revenue outturn as detailed in Appendix 1;

2)     Note the Combined Authority forecasted revenue outturn as detailed in Appendix 2;

3)     Requests officers to undertake a risk-based assessment of reserves requirements as part of closing down the accounts for 2021/22;

4)     Produce a paper for the next committee that reviews and forecasts the business rates position for 2022/23.

To update on the overall programme and headroom.

The Combined Authority Committee RESOLVED to REFUSE officers’ recommendation to:

1)     Return the £4.1m balance of the previous allocations for the Land Acquisition and Development Infrastructure Funds and Love Our High Streets to create further headroom.

The Combined Authority Committee RESOLVED:

2)     To approve the Full Business Case for the Bath Local Centres High Street Improvement scheme and the award of £295k subject to confirmation of the match funding.

3)     To approve the Full Business Case for Bath River Line Phase 1 and the award of £1.048m subject to securing necessary planning consent and the value for money assessment for both phases presenting high value for money

4)     To allocate £79k to the Mini-Holland Pilot Scheme and delegate the approval of a Feasibility and Development Funding Application to the Combined Authority Chief Executive in consultation with the Chief Executives of the constituent Councils.

5)     To approve a further allocation of £10m for the development of an Outline Business Case for new public transport from the Investment Fund headroom.

6)     To approve the Feasibility and Development Funding Application for the B&NES Strategic Masterplanning and award of £1.345m.

7)     To approve the South Gloucestershire Council Feasibility and Development Funding Application for the Evidence to support Transition from Spatial Development Strategy to Local Plan Making programme and the award of £900k.

8)     To allocate a further £750k for Strategic Masterplanning subject to this being drawn down at the next Committee and delivery being completed by 2023/24.

9)     To approve the Feasibility and Development Funding Application for the Bristol Avon Flood Strategy – Active Travel & Green Infrastructure Greenway and the award of £482k.

The Combined Authority Committee considered this report which contained the following recommendations:

·        A proposal to remove the balance of the allocations previously approved for the Love Our High Streets programme, Land Acquisition Fund and Development Infrastructure Fund to increase headroom.

·        An approval of Full Business Case for the Bath Local Centres High Street Improvement scheme and Bath River Line Phase 1.

·        An allocation of £10m is requested for the development of an Outline Business Case for new public transport.

·        An approval for development funding applications for B&NES Strategic Masterplanning, and South Gloucestershire’s Evidence to support Transition from Spatial Development Strategy to Local Plan Making, and an increased allocation for Masterplanning of £750k.

·        An approval of the Bristol Avon Flood Strategy – Active Travel & Green Infrastructure Greenway funding application.

Voting arrangements:

Recommendations 3 & 7 – Metro Mayor abstained.

Recommendations 1,2,4,5,6,8,9 - Majority vote of the constituent councils including the Metro Mayor

Metro Mayor took separate vote on each recommendation.

Recommendation 1 – Moved by the Chair and seconded by Councillor Savage.

Councillor Toby Savage expressed his concerns with this recommendation and said that he would not support it today. Councillor Savage felt that there were projects across the region that could use these funds, such as acquisition of the former hospital site. The Love Our High Streets funding would be used to kick start he wider regeneration of Kingswood and how to use some initial funding from America through this fund in order to lever in a much more significant programme and investments for a number of different funds into Kingswood.  Councillor Savage felt that it was premature to be talking about closing those programmes down when some other parts of the region could benefit from these interventions Councillor Savage concluded that there was a need for more strategic piece of work around the use investment funds to best effect across the region.

Councillor Kevin Guy commented that he would not support the recommendation by saying that he would not take away valuable money from the Love Our High Streets regeneration. Councillor Guy added that projects should be delivered quickly and efficiently.

Metro Mayor commented there was a need to differentiate through projects that were slow, those really good projects and address the ones that were late. There was a lot of money in certain bank accounts not doing what it needed to do and if this recommendation is rejected then the proposal would be a delay to deal with delays.

Voting: 1 in favour (Metro mayor) and 3 against.

The Combined Authority Committee RESOLVED to REFUSE officers’ recommendation to:

1)     Return the £4.1m balance of the previous allocations for the Land Acquisition and Development Infrastructure Funds and Love Our High Streets to create further headroom.

The Chair moved the rest of the recommendations (abstaining from voting on recommendations 3 & 7).

Seconders for each recommendation, and their comments were:

Recommendation 2 - Councillor Guy welcomed this recommendation as much needed investment for Bath.

Recommendation 3 – Councillor Guy commented that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

To seek approval for change requests for schemes within the current Investment Fund programme.

The Combined Authority Committee RESOLVED to:

1)     Approve the funding increase of £1.875m for the South Bristol Light Industrial Workspace.

2)     Approve a further drawdown of £600k for the Bristol to Bath Strategic Corridor.

3)     Approve the funding increase of £126,500 for the Chew Valley Lake Recreational Trail (Northern Section)

4)     Approve the funding increase of £278k for the East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood project.

5)     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.

The Chair moved the report recommendations.

This motion was seconded by Councillor Guy.

Councillor Toby Savage praised the officers who were involved in Cribbs Patchway New Neighbourhood Cycle Links scheme which was delivered £300k under budget.

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 to:

1)     Approve the funding increase of £1.875m for the South Bristol Light Industrial Workspace.

2)     Approve a further drawdown of £600k for the Bristol to Bath Strategic Corridor.

3)     Approve the funding increase of £126,500 for the Chew Valley Lake Recreational Trail (Northern Section)

4)     Approve the funding increase of £278k for the East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood project.

5)     Approve the change requests for schemes within the current programme as set out in Appendix 1.

At the committee meeting in January, CEOs were tasked to come to the next Committee meeting with a collective proposal for the management and mitigation of Investment Fund project delays.    This must include:

·        A formal process of robust challenge and support for project Senior Responsible Owners (SROs).

·        A public quarterly report at Committee that does not just note delays but sets out what action has been agreed to mitigate and bring projects back on track – or in significant cases moved out of the current programme to allow for other projects.

·        All projects with an aggregate value of over £5m and / or an overall delay of over 6 months must be actively reviewed by Leaders and Mayors.

·        Projects where recovery actions are not correcting delays and budgetary or other issues will be reported as appropriate by the new Programme Delivery Board.

The Combined Authority Committee RESOLVED:

1)     To approve the proposed reporting and delivery assurance process subject to excluding the “budget exchange use it or lose it principles” contained within the report.

2)     That WoE CA officers be tasked with working with Directors of Infrastructure and S151 officers in the UAs to develop a set of budgetary principles to drive the delivery of projects and good practice to be reported back at June Committee.

The Combined Authority Committee considered a report which sought to create a use it or lose it culture, encouraged better delivery, and ensured transparency with any delays discussed in public at committee.  This report set out proposed improvements including regular reporting to committee and changes to grant conditions to ensure the Authority and partners were publicly held to account for and supported to deliver their commitments. This was in line with the new City Regions Sustainable Transport Settlement requirements for reporting performance to the Department for Transport, and the public.

The Chair introduced this item by saying that this paper set out proposed improvements including regular reporting to committee and changes to grant conditions to ensure the Authority and partners being publicly held to account for and supported to deliver their commitments. This was in line with the new City Regions Sustainable Transport Settlement requirements for reporting performance to the Department for Transport, and the public.

The Chair then moved the report recommendations.

This motion was seconded by Councillor Guy.

Councillor Guy then moved an amendment as follows:

‘That the Budget Exchange ‘use it or lose it’ principles – section of the report is removed (pg 96-97 of agenda pack)

That two additional recommendations are included: 

1)     It is recommended that Committee approve the proposed reporting and delivery assurance process excluding the “budget exchange use it or lose it principles” contained within it.

2)     That WECA officers be tasked with working with Directors of Infrastructure and S151 officers in the UAs to develop a set of budgetary principles to drive the delivery of projects and good practice to be reported back at July Committee.’

The amendment was seconded by Councillor Savage.

Councillor Toby Savage commented that whilst he understood the aim of what the ‘use it or lose it’ principles were seeking to achieve (speeding up delivery), it could potentially stumble whole delivery in the first place.

The voting arrangements for this item were as follows:

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

Voting then took place on the amendment.  All 4 members present voted unanimously in favour of the amendment.

The amendment having been carried, the Combined Authority Committee then voted on the substantive motion (i.e. the revised recommendations) and

The Combined Authority Committee RESOLVED:

1)     To approve the proposed reporting and delivery assurance process subject to excluding the “budget exchange use it or lose it principles” contained within the report.

2)     That WoE CA officers be tasked with working with Directors of Infrastructure and S151 officers in the UAs to develop a set of budgetary principles to drive the delivery of projects and good practice to be reported back at June Committee.

This report provides an overview of the revised Climate and Ecological Emergency Strategy and Action Plan including how it relates to the Green Recovery Fund, and outlines the intention to keep the Strategy and Action Plan under review.

The Combined Authority Committee RESOLVED to approve a new Climate and Ecological Emergency Strategy and Action Plan.  

The Combined Authority Committee considered a report which provided an overview of the revised Climate and Ecological?Emergency Strategy and Action Plan including how it related to the Green Recovery Fund and outlined the intention to keep the Strategy and Action Plan under review.

The Chair said that he was delighted to bring forward a new, more ambitious Climate and Ecological Strategy and Action Plan. This was a living document and would be amended and updated to reflect changing circumstances, new data and ideas.

The Plan outlined huge scale of the challenge if we are to meet our ambitious net zero targets. It would involve a massive effort from the Combined Authority, councils, residents and business. The Government would also need to step up and do much more, and this new Plan sets out key asks of them.

The Chair then moved the report recommendations.

This motion was seconded by Councillor Guy.

Councillor Kevin Guy said that he was excited to second this. Politicians, both locally and nationally, have recognised the importance of putting this issue first and foremost in every single decision. Councillor Guy added that there was a need for ambitious approach, and everyone would need to get on with delivery of it.

Councillor Craig Cheney commented that there was a need to make progress. The Strategy and Action Plan set out the scale of the challenge that we all face, and the actions would need to be taken in order to meet 2030 ambitions. Councillor Cheney added that there was a strong need for a consistent long term funding government.

Councillor Toby Savage also welcomed the document and added that this was a living document and that there was a need to step up in action, and one of those would be Green Recovery Fund which was on the agenda for this committee.

Richard Bonner (Chair of the Local Enterprise Partnership Board) commented there was a need to think about how to set the plan to attract additionality in funding and investments in this matter.

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 a new Climate and Ecological Emergency Strategy and Action Plan.  

To provide further detail of Green Recovery Fund and seek agreement for assessment criteria and first business cases to be drawn down from the GRF.

The Combined Authority Committee RESOLVED to:

1)    Approve the Gateway criteria for the Green Recovery Fund

2)    Approve the outline business cases for retrofit accelerator programme and should there be urgency to delegate approval of the full business case to the Combined Authority Chief Executive in consultation with the Chief Executive of the constituent Councils.

3)    Approve the full business case for the Community Pollinator Fund and the award of £1.45m from the Green Recovery Fund

4)    Approve the Feasibility and Development Funding Application and the award of £100k from the Green Recovery Fund to finalise the business case for investment in EV charging infrastructure, helping to accelerate the uptake of electric vehicles.

5)    Agree delegated authority to the West of England Combined Authority Chief Executive, in conjunction with the Chief Executive of the constituent Councils, to agree the final scope and work required to finalise the Combined Authority’s EV charging proposals.

The Combined Authority Committee considered a report which purpose was:

1.     To provide further detail of Green Recovery Fund and seek agreement for assessment criteria and first business cases to be drawn down from the GRF.  

2.     To agree an award of £100,000 from the Green Recovery Fund to finalise the business case for investment in EV charging infrastructure and note the Combined Authority’s intention to seek £5m from the GRF to deliver a package of infrastructure investment proposals once business cases are fully developed. 

3.     To agree delegated authority to the West of England Combined Authority Chief Executive, in conjunction with the Chief Executives, to agree the final scope and work required to finalise the Combined Authority’s EV charging proposals.  

The Chair said that this was the most important vote of the day for him. This report would enable retrofit for more homes; kickstart plans for electric car charging points and, his personal favourite, set up a £1m Community Pollinator Fund for bees.

The Chair then moved the report recommendations.

This motion was seconded by Councillor Cheney.

Councillor Toby Savage commented that he was pleased to see the progress that has been made with Green Recovery Fund. This was more ambitious recovery fund than what was originally brought to the Committee for the discussion at one of previous meetings, and it was great to see a number of projects moving forward.

The voting arrangements for this item were as follows:

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

The Combined Authority Committee RESOLVED to:

1)    Approve the Gateway criteria for the Green Recovery Fund

2)    Approve the outline business cases for retrofit accelerator programme and should there be urgency to delegate approval of the full business case to the Combined Authority Chief Executive in consultation with the Chief Executive of the constituent Councils.

3)    Approve the full business case for the Community Pollinator Fund and the award of £1.45m from the Green Recovery Fund

4)    Approve the Feasibility and Development Funding Application and the award of £100k from the Green Recovery Fund to finalise the business case for investment in EV charging infrastructure, helping to accelerate the uptake of electric vehicles.

5)    Agree delegated authority to the West of England Combined Authority Chief Executive, in conjunction with the Chief Executive of the constituent Councils, to agree the final scope and work required to finalise the Combined Authority’s EV charging proposals.

To seek approval for additional funding of £5m towards the newly established Regional Recovery and Adaptions Fund.

The Combined Authority Committee RESOLVED to allocate a further £5m to the Regional Recovery and Adaptions Fund and delegate 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 of £5m towards the newly established Regional Recovery and Adaptions Fund.

The Chair introduced this item by saying that this would increase the size of the fund focussing on key sectors such as improving our high streets, implementing our Cultural Plan and providing support to sectors that need a helping hand such as training HGV lorry drivers.

The Chair then moved the report recommendations.

This motion was seconded by Councillor Savage.

Councillor Craig Cheney commented that he welcomed the paper and activities outlined in the report as this package aimed at helping people adapt to and benefit from the jobs and training opportunities generated across the region.

Councillor Kevin Guy also welcomed the report by highlighting the importance of being transparent about spending public money and what difference it would make to people’s lives.

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 a further £5m to the Regional Recovery and Adaptions Fund and delegate the approval of business cases to the Combined Authority Chief Executive in consultation with the Chief Executives of the constituent Councils.

To present the Full Business Case for The Courts and seek approval of £757,608 towards the project.

No decision was taken by the Combined Authority Committee on the recommendation included in the report.

The Combined Authority Committee considered the Full Business Case for The Courts which sought approval of £757,608 towards the project.

The Chair said that a number of speakers today spoke in favour of this issue. The paper recommends approval of £757,608 towards refurbishing a derelict Victorian building to provide a new creative hub for skills development for disadvantaged young people.

The Chair then moved the report recommendations.

There was no seconder, so the motion failed.

Councillor Craig Cheney commented that whilst he was supportive of this project and have listened with great interest supporting statements that were made today, he did would need or should receive additional public from BCC and the Combined Authority. Councillor Cheney felt that there was a number of community buildings and organisations across Bristol and the region that would benefit from this funding, and that money should be allocated fairly to organisations that have not had the opportunity to request additional funding.  Therefore, Councillor Cheney would not support the recommendation.

Councillor Kevin Guy commented that if this was a project for investment in the city of Bath, then he would second the motion. Councillor Guy felt that it would be inappropriate of him to go against city of Bristol’s decision not to support the recommendation.

Councillor Toby Savage said that he would not support the motion for the same reasons that Councillors Cheney and Guy presented earlier.  Councillor Savage thanked the speakers for their statements and added that CYN was important partner for South Gloucestershire Council and would continue to be irrespective of the outcome on this matter.

Metro Mayor said that the committed should not get bog down with the location. This was an important project that would serve all the young people right across the West of England, and the Courts happened to be a really good site. Metro Mayor recognised passion that has been spoken by organisations, businesses and the public on this matter and felt that this would be a nonsensical outcome not to go ahead with this business case and also take into consideration that Scrutiny Committee welcomed this report.

No decision was taken by the Combined Authority Committee on the recommendation included in the report.

To present the Full Business Case for match funding to continue the West of England Careers Hub beyond August 2022.

The Combined Authority Committee RESOLVED to agree the Full Business Case for the West of England Careers Hub and award £810,000 to match Careers Enterprise Company funding and continue the service for another three years.

The Combined Authority Committee considered the Full Business Case for match funding to continue the West of England Careers Hub beyond August 2022.

The Chair introduced this item by saying that this paper recommends allocating £810K to continue the work of strong performing careers hub, which has expanded into every secondary school and FE college in the region. Having a Careers Hub led by the Combined Authority would allow to draw in £1.7m of national funding which would otherwise not be available.

The Chair then moved the report recommendations.

This motion was seconded by Councillor Savage.

Councillor Toby Savage commented that he was supportive of this business case which would offer the best possible range of support and advice to young people when deciding on their future careers.

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 Full Business Case for the West of England Careers Hub and award £810,000 to match Careers Enterprise Company funding and continue the service for another three years.

To seek approval to increase the Transport Levy by up to 10% to cover the increased cost of supported bus services, including Home to School transport for non-entitled children.

The Combined Authority Committee RESOLVED:

1.     That the Transport Levy is increased by up to 10% from the 2023/24 financial year to cover additional contract costs for supported bus services,

2.     That delegated authority is given to the CEOs to agree the final increase by the end of April 2022 for bus service contracts to be awarded, for subsequent confirmation during the budget making process for 2023/24.That the principle be agreed that any growth in transport levy for 2023/24 arising from this decision be met with a contribution from WECA and offset through efficiencies driven by the pooling of contractual management and operation.  That evidence of WECA efficiencies and contribution will be presented as part of the final levy being set in January 2023 and consulted upon with s151 officers.

The Combined Authority Committee considered a report which sought approval to increase the Transport Levy by up to 10% to cover the increased cost of supported bus services, including Home to School transport for non-entitled children.

The Chair introduced this item by saying that the Combined Authority currently supported around 80 bus services. These contracts would end in August, and they would cost more to deliver going forward. There would also be more demand on the Levy.

The Chair moved the report recommendations.

This motion was seconded by Councillor Savage.

Councillor Savage then moved an amendment as follows:

That the following text is added to recommendation 2:

… That the principle be agreed that any growth in transport levy for 2023/24 arising from this decision be met with a contribution from WECA and offset through efficiencies driven by the pooling of contractual management and operation.  That evidence of WECA efficiencies and contribution will be presented as part of the final levy being set in January 2023 and consulted upon with s151 officers.’

The amendment was seconded by Councillor Guy.

The voting arrangements for this item were as follows:

For all recommendations and amendments: Majority vote of the constituent councils excluding the Metro Mayor.

The Combined Authority Committee RESOLVED:

1.     That the Transport Levy is increased by up to 10% from the 2023/24 financial year to cover additional contract costs for supported bus services,

2.     That delegated authority is given to the CEOs to agree the final increase by the end of April 2022 for bus service contracts to be awarded, for subsequent confirmation during the budget making process for 2023/24.That the principle be agreed that any growth in transport levy for 2023/24 arising from this decision be met with a contribution from WECA and offset through efficiencies driven by the pooling of contractual management and operation.  That evidence of WECA efficiencies and contribution will be presented as part of the final levy being set in January 2023 and consulted upon with s151 officers.

Purpose of the report is to agree short term allocations from existing Transforming Cities Funding to support the overall delivery programme, and the delivery approach for the forthcoming City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement.

The Combined Authority Committee RESOLVED to AGREE with:

1)     Approval of full business case and funding of £922,216 to deliver the expansion of Portway P&R

2)     Approval of full business case and funding of £1,827,973 to deliver metrobus Consolidation 

3)     Approval of Strategic Outline Case and confirm funding of £500k to deliver the next stage of an Outline Business Case for the Somer Valley to Bristol and Bath Corridor Scheme

4)     Allocation of £100k to commence an Outline Business Case for the A38 South Bristol Sustainable Transport Corridor plus commence Full Business Case for the Bedminster Green section.  Delegation for the approval of a Feasibility and Development Funding application to the Combined Authority Chief Executive in consultation with the Chief Executives of the constituent Councils.

5)     To ensure appropriate capacity building to carry out the intelligent client function to deliver the CRSTS, including the effective delivery of relevant statutory functions.  It is recommended to allocate £450k for financial year 22/3 from the CRSTS funding for capacity building within the UAs, and a further £450k cash flow from CRSTS project allocations for the initial year of the programme.  It is recommended that approval of a Feasibility and Development Funding Application for Mobilisation to delegated to the West of England CEOs in consultation with the Chief Executives of the constituent Councils.

The Combined Authority Committee considered a report which sought approvals for short term allocations from existing Transforming Cities Funding to support the overall delivery programme, and on the delivery approach for the forthcoming City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement.

The Chair introduced this item by saying that £500m of funding to improve transport through the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement has been secured. This paper sets out the funding required for projects and resources that were needed now to ensure delivery within the timescales. There would be a further paper in July setting out information with regards to the full delivery model.

The Chair then moved the report recommendations.

This motion was seconded by Councillor Guy.

Councillor Craig Cheney welcomed the report by saying this would help transform our public transport and build the infrastructure needed to encourage more people to walk and cycle.

Councillor Toby Savage also welcomed the report and pointed to the typo in recommendation 5 – it meant to read CEO not CEOs.

The voting arrangements for this item were as follows:

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

The Combined Authority Committee RESOLVED to AGREE with:

1)     Approval of full business case and funding of £922,216 to deliver the expansion of Portway P&R

2)     Approval of full business case and funding of £1,827,973 to deliver metrobus Consolidation 

3)     Approval of Strategic Outline Case and confirm funding of £500k to deliver the next stage of an Outline Business Case for the Somer Valley to Bristol and Bath Corridor Scheme

4)     Allocation of £100k to commence an Outline Business Case for the A38 South Bristol Sustainable Transport Corridor plus commence Full Business Case for the Bedminster Green section.  Delegation for the approval of a Feasibility and Development Funding application to the Combined Authority Chief Executive in consultation with the Chief Executives of the constituent Councils.

5)     To ensure appropriate capacity building to carry out the intelligent client function to deliver the CRSTS, including the effective delivery of relevant statutory functions.  It is recommended to allocate £450k for financial year 22/3 from the CRSTS funding for capacity building within the UAs, and a further £450k cash flow from CRSTS project allocations for the initial year of the programme.  It is recommended that approval of a Feasibility and Development Funding Application for Mobilisation to delegated to the West of England CEOs in consultation with the Chief Executives of the constituent Councils.

The Government White Paper "Levelling Up the United Kingdom”, was published on 2 February 2022. It proposed changes to the current framework for the governance and funding of LEPs.  The proposals were detailed in subsequent ministerial correspondence sent on 1 April 2022. This report sets out the proposals for the next steps proposed by the LEP following its meeting on the 30 March.

The Combined Authority Committee RESOLVED tosupport the recommendation from the LEP that a working group, comprising representatives from the Combined Authority, the LEP, North Somerset and a representative from the three other Unitary Authorities to consider options and proposals to bring before the respective bodies in the early summer.

The Combined Authority Committee considered a report with changes to the current framework for the governance and funding of LEPs.

The Chair moved the report recommendation.

This motion was seconded by Councillor Savage.

Councillor Toby Savage welcomed this report as it did recognise that the policy landscape has changed in recent years.

Richard Bonner also welcomed the report highlighting productive discussion on this matter at the last LEP Board meeting.

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

The Combined Authority Committee RESOLVED tosupport the recommendation from the LEP that a working group, comprising representatives from the Combined Authority, the LEP, North Somerset and a representative from the three other Unitary Authorities to consider options and proposals to bring before the respective bodies in the early summer.

To seek the Committee’s formal endorsement of the intended appointment of an interim Director of Infrastructure.

The Combined Authority Committee RESOLVED to endorse the appointment of Alistair Kirk as Interim Director of Infrastructure.

The Combined Authority Committee considered an urgent report which sought formal endorsement of the intended appointment of an interim Director of Infrastructure.

The Chair moved the report recommendation.

This motion was seconded by Councillor Guy.

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 endorse the appointment of Alistair Kirk as Interim Director of Infrastructure.

To seek the Committee’s approval that the decision on the Combined Authority’s future accommodation is delegated to the Combined Authority Chief Executive, in consultation with the Local Authority Chief Executives.

The Combined Authority Committee RESOLVED:

1)     To delegate the decision on the Combined Authority’s future accommodation to the Combined Authority Chief Executive in consultation with the Local Authority Chief Executives.

2)     To agree that if majority agreement of the Combined Authority Chief Executive and Local Authority Chief Executives cannot be reached, the decision is taken at a special meeting of the Combined Authority Committee, at an urgent date to be confirmed should the necessity arise.

The Combined Authority Committee considered a report which sought an approval that the decision on the Combined Authority’s future accommodation is delegated to the Combined Authority Chief Executive, in consultation with the Local Authority Chief Executives.

The Chair introduced this item by saying that the Authority’s lease on 3 Rivergate comes to an end in December of this year. Contrary to previous discussions, it was discovered last week that the Authority would not be able to secure a short-term extension to the lease, as the landlord would wish to vacate the premises to undertake a full refurbishment.  This has brought an increased urgency to the situation, and it was vital to source suitable future accommodation imminently.

The costs would be met internally, therefore there was no additional money required from the Combined Authority.

The Chair then moved the report recommendations.

This motion was seconded by Councillor Cheney.

Councillor Toby Savage commented that he recognised the need for office space, yet he questioned the criteria used in this report, one of them being where majority of the staff lives.  Councillor Savage said that this was important criteria but there was a need to recognise that public transport routes exist for the staff.  Councillor Savage also said that the budget set for this matter should be within existing budgets.

Councillor Kevin Guy commented that there were many different ways that staff could work, such as remote working, and that Bath train station was only 10 minutes away from Bristol.  Councillor Guy added that huge block of offices has been built in the centre of Bath which were not far from the train station.

Metro Mayor commented that value for money was important, but 80% of the staff lived in Bristol.

The Chair then moved the report recommendations. This motion was seconded by Councillor Cheney.

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 delegate the decision on the Combined Authority’s future accommodation to the Combined Authority Chief Executive in consultation with the Local Authority Chief Executives.

2)     To agree that if majority agreement of the Combined Authority Chief Executive and Local Authority Chief Executives cannot be reached, the decision is taken at a special meeting of the Combined Authority Committee, at an urgent date to be confirmed should the necessity arise.