Agenda, decisions and minutes

In the event of a fire, please await direction from venue 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 meeting was held at Turnberrie’s Community Centre, Thornbury.  The Chair, Metro Mayor Dan Norris, welcomed everybody to the meeting and the evacuation procedure was noted.

To receive apologies for absence from Members.

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 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 no declarations of interest declared under the Localism Act 2011.

To consider and approve the minutes from the West of England Combined Authority Committee Meeting held on 9 December 2022.

To consider and approve the minutes from the West of England Combined Authority Committee Meeting held on 9 December 2022.

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

The meeting was held on Holocaust Memorial Day.  Those present observed a minute’s silence.

There were no Chair’s announcements.

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 23 January 2023.

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 26 January 2023. 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.

For those presenting their statements at the meeting, up to 3 minutes ‘speaking time’ is permitted for each statement. The total time available for the public session at this meeting is 30 minutes.

13 questions from 7 individuals had been submitted for this meeting.  These questions together with the Metro Mayor’s responses had been circulated and published on the Authority’s website following the meeting.

In addition 8 statements had been received from members of the public.  These statements had been published on the Authority’s website prior to the meeting.  The following individuals attended the meeting and addressed the Committee for up to three minutes on the topic of their statement:

·       Robert Dixon

·       Brian Blestowe

·       Dave Redgewell

·       Robbie Bentley

The Chair of the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership to be invited to address the meeting.

The Chair of the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Board, Richard Bonner, made the following statement in respect to the items on the agenda:

Before getting into our detailed comments I wanted to reflect on a few matters:

·       I had the privilege to attend the Convention of the North this week, with mayors, civic, government and business leaders from across the North.    We also heard from DLUHC Secretary of State, Gove, and his opposition, Lisa Nandy.

·       It was my 2^nd Convention, and I was struck by the confidence, the joined up nature of mayors and leaders, and the sense of real progress

·       I was also struck by two other attributes, the mayors were ambitious to secure more devo powers, join the accelerator initiatives, create more local control on education, health, transport, etc.   And using their soft powers to accelerate in bound investment, political engagement, and mobilise their communities.

·       We workshopped 8 Policy areas, and from that the 1,000 delegates identified top 3 priorities:

o   Inclusive and decarbonised city region transport systems

o   Plan to deliver and improve housing

o   Delivering a clean and affordable energy transition

·       These of course chime here in West of England, and we want to see our ‘mass transit’ proposals coming forwards and being progressed, we want leaders to work together to create the policy framework to delivery new and improved housing, and of course support citizens and business on our transition to net zero.

·       I was interested speak to a HM Treasurer Civil Servant, making the point, that our CRSTS programmes need to look to 2^nd and 3^rd rounds, and that as well as short term delivery, we look to the longer terms schemes.  The example of work short term expediency over longer term strategic thinking is really well explained in Leeds / West Yorkshire.  Similar to here, previously cocked up and didn’t agree to deliver the opportunity to have trams, but now don’t look back but are working hard to deliver their mass transit (9 strategic routes, station and park & ride interfaces, and transition to active travel), all that you would expect.  However, the mayor is very clear that first spades won’t be in the ground until her second term (whether her or another), but recognises the region needs that longer term strategic planning and delivery.

·       I think that the approach being taken in the North highlights how so much more can be delivered when we collaborate, work together, engage and build trust with Government.   Working together to create Optimism, Opportunity and Hope, using our Powers, hard and soft to make sure that happens.

·       Hopefully with so much to get through today, we can bring the best of ourselves to this committee, and work together to get the very best outcomes for our citizens, and businesses to thrive and invest.

Mayoral and Combined authority budget 2023/24 and medium-term financial STRATEGY

§  I am pleased to see that it has been a successful year in terms of attracting additional funding  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

The Chair of the Authority’s Overview & Scrutiny Committee to present the comments of that Committee.

The Chair of the Authority’s Overview & Scrutiny Committee, Councillor Winston Duguid, attended the meeting and submitted the views of that Committee on the agenda items.  The Overview & Scrutiny Committee had met to discuss the items on the agenda a few days previously.  The comments submitted had been circulated prior to the meeting and published on the Authority’s website.

To consider and approve the budget and medium-term financial strategy in respect of the Mayoral Functions and the West of England Combined Authority for 2023/24. Inflation kept under review via this report.

The Committee RESOLVED:

1.     Approve the combined authority budget for 2023/24 as summarised in figure 6 and the relevant related supporting appendices, with the exception of the £8m staffing increase, of which 10% will be withheld to enable further work to be undertaken to assess the relevant need against pressures on services. The remaining funds will be released following the unanimous approval of the Combined Authority Chief Executive and Chief Executives of the Constituent Councils. Should a decision not receive unanimous approval the matter will be returned to the next Combined Authority Committee.

2.     That the acting Chief Executive works with UA Chief Executives on a programme of effectiveness and efficiency reviews to be agreed at the March 2023 committee, including the delivery timescales for such reviews, which will include appropriate value for money testing with external validation where appropriate, this will include the development of a risk-based reserve policy as referred in para 4.

3.     Approve the West of England Combined Authority budget for 2023/24 as summarised in figure 6 and relevant related supporting appendices.

4.     Review and comment on the West of England Combined Authority projected revenue forecast for 2022/23 as detailed in Appendix 2.

5.     Approve the Mayoral Budget for 2023/24 together with the funding contribution from the West of England Combined Authority, (Investment Fund), budget of £675k as set out in Appendix 7.

Metro Mayor Dan Norris introduced a report by stating that the Authority was moving forward with a plan that recognised the impact of the economic slowdown and the impact of inflation on our residents and business in the West of England. He stated that officers had provided a transparent report to enable the Authority to meet the local challenges.  He warned that delays would slow delivery as well as reducing purchasing power and value for money due to the inflationary levels.

The recommendations were moved by Metro Mayor Dan Norris.  He stated that he also wished to move an additional effectiveness and efficiencies recommendation.

There was a request for an adjournment for the members of the Committee to discuss any additional recommendations and/or amendments.

The meeting adjourned at 1348 and reconvened at 1527.

On resumption of the meeting Councillor Toby Savage stated that he wished to move two additional recommendations as follows.  These recommendations would become recommendations 1 & 2, with the existing recommendations becoming recommendations 3-5.  This would seconded by Cllr Kevin Guy.

“1.     Approve the combined authority budget for 2023/24 as summarised in figure 6 and the relevant related supporting appendices, with the exception of the £8m staffing increase, of which 10% will be withheld to enable further work to be undertaken to assess the relevant need against pressures on services. The remaining funds will be released following the unanimous approval of the Combined Authority Chief Executive and Chief Executives of the Constituent Councils. Should a decision not receive unanimous approval the matter will be returned to the next Combined Authority Committee.

2.     That the acting Chief Executive works with UA Chief Executives on a programme of effectiveness and efficiency reviews to be agreed at the March 2023 committee, including the delivery timescales for such reviews, which will include appropriate value for money testing with external validation where appropriate, this will include the development of a risk-based reserve policy as referred in para 4.”

The Interim Chief Executive stated that this enabled the Authority to pass a robust budget and keep up the pace of delivery.

Councillor Savage stated that he accepted the need for additional resources to deliver the programme of work and strengthening of governance.  It was important to balance the needs of residents and maximising the value for money. Leaders needed to ensure that they spent the available money as wisely as they could.

[voting arrangements: A unanimous vote in favour at full meeting of the Combined Authority by all members appointed by the by the constituent Authorities or substitute members acting in place of those members, present and voting]. 

The recommendations were carried unanimously.

The Committee RESOLVED:

1.     Approve the combined authority budget for 2023/24 as summarised in figure 6 and the relevant related supporting appendices, with the exception of the £8m staffing increase, of which 10% will be withheld to enable further work to be undertaken to assess the relevant need against pressures on services. The remaining funds will be released  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

To update on the overall programme and headroom

The Committee RESOLVED:

(1)            Approve the revised Local Growth Assurance Framework as set out in paragraph 7.

(2)            Approve the Waterspace Connected Phase 1 Outline Business Case and the award of £296k to develop the Full Business Case by November 2024, as set out on paragraph 11.

(3)            To approve the Scholars Way Outline Business Case and the award of £580k (£72k TCF and £508k CRSTS) to develop the Full Business Case by July 2023, as set out in paragraph 11.

(4)            To allocate £4.8m to the West of England Business Support Programme as set out in paragraph 12 and delegate the approval of the Full Business Case to the Combined Authority Chief Executive in consultation with the Chief Executives of the constituent Councils, as set out in paragraph 12.

(5)            Delegate the approval of the Full Business Case for the Arena Infrastructure Package and the award of up to £10.081m to the Combined Authority Chief Executive in consultation with the Chief Executives of the constituent Councils following a report to the Programme Review Board (PRB) and subject to the PRB’s unanimous recommendation to CEO’s.

The Metro Mayor introduced a report which provided an update on the new funding awards through the Investment Fund programme and the impact these had on the overall headroom remaining in the current investment period.  

The recommendations were moved by Metro Mayor Dan Norris and seconded by Councillor Kevin Guy.

Cllr Guy stated that there were exceptionally good projects included including on better sustainable transport which he especially welcomed.

Cllr Savage welcomed the report and stated that it was important that there were no delays in agreeing the projects outlined.

Mayor Marvin Rees also welcomed the report and felt this would help secure long-term transport improvements in the region, although he was concerned about the amount of resilience built into the system currently such as bus driver recruitment.

[voting arrangements: Decision required majority agreement of Committee Members in attendance, or their substitutes (one vote representing each Authority) and including the West of England Combined Authority Mayor].

It was unanimously agreed.

The Committee RESOLVED:

(1)            Approve the revised Local Growth Assurance Framework as set out in paragraph 7.

(2)            Approve the Waterspace Connected Phase 1 Outline Business Case and the award of £296k to develop the Full Business Case by November 2024, as set out on paragraph 11.

(3)            To approve the Scholars Way Outline Business Case and the award of £580k (£72k TCF and £508k CRSTS) to develop the Full Business Case by July 2023, as set out in paragraph 11.

(4)            To allocate £4.8m to the West of England Business Support Programme as set out in paragraph 12 and delegate the approval of the Full Business Case to the Combined Authority Chief Executive in consultation with the Chief Executives of the constituent Councils, as set out in paragraph 12.

(5)            Delegate the approval of the Full Business Case for the Arena Infrastructure Package and the award of up to £10.081m to the Combined Authority Chief Executive in consultation with the Chief Executives of the constituent Councils following a report to the Programme Review Board (PRB) and subject to the PRB’s unanimous recommendation to CEO’s.

To consider changes to schemes within the Investment Fund programme against the agreed delivery assurance principles. All of these changes were considered by the Programme Review Board and this report includes only those that were supported for recommendation to Committee.

The Committee resolved to approve the change requests for schemes within the current programme as set out in Appendix 1.

This report set out the changes to schemes within the current approved investment programme.  

In line with the previously agreed delivery assurance principles, these changes had been reviewed and tested by the Programme Review Board,who was seeking to support and speed up scheme delivery. 

The recommendations were moved by Metro Mayor Dan Norris and seconded by Councillor Tony Savage.

[voting arrangements: Decision required majority agreement of Committee Members in attendance, or their substitutes (one vote representing each Authority) and including the West of England Combined Authority Mayor]. 

The recommendation was unanimously agreed.

The Committee resolved to approve the change requests for schemes within the current programme as set out in Appendix 1.

To provide an update to Combined Authority Committee on key Transport projects and to secure approval from Committee on key decisions and associated funding (where applicable) relating to a number of projects.

The Committee RESOLVED:

(1)   MetroWest Phase 2 –to approve funding to cover stage 1 and remaining elements of the scheme.  As set out elsewhere on this agenda a Full Business Case (FBC) has been produced seeking the award of £13.663m of funding (£2.6m beyond that previously awarded) for stage 1 of the project which will include the construction and opening of Ashley Down Station, secure planning approval for North Filton and Henbury stations and tender detailed design and construction works. An allocation of £6.245m from the Investment Fund (IF) is proposed for the delivery of the remaining elements of the scheme.

(2)   Cycle Hangars - to approve the FBC and funding from the Transforming Cities Fund of a total of £360,661 (£289k already awarded for development) to enable the installation of at least 28 cycle hangars on Bristol City Council social housing sites.

(3)   Integrated Micromobility Service Contract - that a new Integrated Micromobility Service contract be tendered and awarded to cover on-street Micromobility rental services. Recommendation that the authority to issue the tender and award the contract is delegated to the Interim Director of Infrastructure in consultation with Unitary Authority Directors. Recommendation that the authority to sign/seal the contract be delegated to the Monitoring Officer.

Metro Mayor Dan Norris introduced a report setting out that the Combined Authority was embarking on an unprecedented programme of transport infrastructure investment and project delivery which would support growth and productivity across the region and will be a critical enabler to its net zero transition. 

The recommendations were moved by Metro Mayor Dan Norris and seconded by Councillor Kevin Guy.

Councillor Guy remarked that there was a red line in terms of cost increases, and if those costs increased too far the projects would have to be rescoped so it was important that the projects were delivered as soon as possible. 

[voting arrangements: Decision required majority agreement of Committee Members in attendance, or their substitutes (one vote representing each Authority) and including the West of England Combined Authority Mayor].  

The recommendations were agreed unanimously.

The Committee RESOLVED:

(1)   MetroWest Phase 2 –to approve funding to cover stage 1 and remaining elements of the scheme.  As set out elsewhere on this agenda a Full Business Case (FBC) has been produced seeking the award of £13.663m of funding (£2.6m beyond that previously awarded) for stage 1 of the project which will include the construction and opening of Ashley Down Station, secure planning approval for North Filton and Henbury stations and tender detailed design and construction works. An allocation of £6.245m from the Investment Fund (IF) is proposed for the delivery of the remaining elements of the scheme.

(2)   Cycle Hangars - to approve the FBC and funding from the Transforming Cities Fund of a total of £360,661 (£289k already awarded for development) to enable the installation of at least 28 cycle hangars on Bristol City Council social housing sites.

(3)   Integrated Micromobility Service Contract - that a new Integrated Micromobility Service contract be tendered and awarded to cover on-street Micromobility rental services. Recommendation that the authority to issue the tender and award the contract is delegated to the Interim Director of Infrastructure in consultation with Unitary Authority Directors. Recommendation that the authority to sign/seal the contract be delegated to the Monitoring Officer.

The purpose of this report is to request delegations to the Chief Executives in consultation with the Programme Review Board to utilise the underspend identified on the capital Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) which concludes in March 2023.  It is also to propose the implementation of lessons learnt against the remaining Infrastructure Portfolio of works.

The Committee RESOLVED:

(1)   To approve the recommended use of TCF as set out in paragraph 7.

(2)   To approve the delegation of urgent change requests relating to the fund to the Infrastructure Directors meeting in consultation with the Programme Review Board, to ensure that the fund is fully utilised by March 2023.  Where agreement is not reached decisions will be escalated to the CEO’s meeting.

(3)   That, subject to decision by the CA Section 73 Officer regarding eligible capital spend, to delegate to the Combined Authority Director of Infrastructure in consultation with the Unitary Authority Directors the approval of change requests within overall funding envelopes for schemes in the City Regions Sustainable Transport Settlement programme to utilise any potential underspend in the TCF.

Metro Mayor Dan Norris introduced a report asking the Committee to utilise the remaining Transforming Cities Fund by March 2023.

The recommendations were moved by Metro Mayor Dan Norris and seconded by Councillor Kevin Guy.

[voting arrangements: Decision required majority agreement of Committee Members in attendance, or their substitutes (one vote representing each Authority) and including the West of England Combined Authority Mayor].  

The recommendations were agreed unanimously.

The Committee RESOLVED:

(1)   To approve the recommended use of TCF as set out in paragraph 7.

(2)   To approve the delegation of urgent change requests relating to the fund to the Infrastructure Directors meeting in consultation with the Programme Review Board, to ensure that the fund is fully utilised by March 2023.  Where agreement is not reached decisions will be escalated to the CEO’s meeting.

(3)   That, subject to decision by the CA Section 73 Officer regarding eligible capital spend, to delegate to the Combined Authority Director of Infrastructure in consultation with the Unitary Authority Directors the approval of change requests within overall funding envelopes for schemes in the City Regions Sustainable Transport Settlement programme to utilise any potential underspend in the TCF.

This report presents the Capital Strategy for the West of England Combined Authority including the detailed capital budget for 2023/24, and indicative budget up to 2026/27 and the Treasury Management Strategy for 2023/24.

The Committee RESOLVED:

(1)   To approve the Capital Budget as detailed in Appendix 1;

(2)   To approve the Treasury Management Strategy for 2023/24 detailed in Appendix 2.

(3)   To agree the specific Highways and Transport Capital Grant allocations totalling £25M to the constituent councils for 2023/24 as set out in Figure 3.

This report presented the Capital Strategy for the West of England Combined Authority including the detailed capital budget for 2023/24, and indicative budget up to 2026/27 and The Treasury Management Strategy for 2023/24.

The recommendations were moved by Metro Mayor Dan Norris and seconded by Councillor Toby Savage.

[voting arrangements. Recommendations 1 & 2 -   Required unanimous vote in favour at full meeting of the Combined Authority by all members appointed by the by the constituent Authorities or substitute members acting in place of those members, present and voting.

Recommendation 3 - Decision required majority agreement of Committee Members in attendance, or their substitutes (one vote representing each Authority) and including the West of England Combined Authority Mayor.]

The recommendations were unanimously agreed.

The Committee RESOLVED:

(1)   To approve the Capital Budget as detailed in Appendix 1;

(2)   To approve the Treasury Management Strategy for 2023/24 detailed in Appendix 2.

(3)   To agree the specific Highways and Transport Capital Grant allocations totalling £25M to the constituent councils for 2023/24 as set out in Figure 3.

The meeting closed at 1545.