Agenda item

The Chair shared the following updates:

1. Covid-19 epidemic:

The Chair drew attention to the very active work taking place across the Combined Authority and the West of England unitary authorities at this difficult time. He wished to place on record his thanks to all staff, and to emergency workers and others in communities who were working so hard at this time to help keep the region running and assist people.

The Chair referred to the significant investment package being made available by the government to provide support for public services, individuals and businesses. The Combined Authority was working closely with the government in terms of how the additional funding was managed and distributed throughout the region. This work was progressing on a daily basis, and Mayors and Leaders were working collectively to tackle the challenges faced.  He was liaising also with other regional Mayors.  It was important to work together to address the current challenges and ensure that key information was shared between authorities to help signpost the most vulnerable people in need of assistance.  As more guidance became available, the Combined Authority would continue to work collaboratively with colleagues across the West of England councils to address these challenges.  Key information for businesses was being made available on both government and the Combined Authority websites.

The Chair pointed out that the Combined Authority was also taking a key role in assessing the impact on transport, and working with the Department for Transport, bus operators, train companies, the port and the airport to help co-ordinate required action.

The Chair also recognised that unitary authorities were playing a vital role, especially with regard to protecting vulnerable people and he wished to place on record his thanks to all those frontline staff and key workers involved.

2. Urgent decision making:

The Chair referred to the constitutional position in terms of future decision making that may be required during through the Covid-19 situation:

·       The constitution allowed the Combined Authority’s Chief Executive to take urgent and emergency decisions in consultation with himself as the West of England Mayor.

·       These powers would only be used when absolutely necessary and, in those circumstances, consultation would take place with the other West of England authorities’ Chief Executives and politicians whenever this was possible.  He would also ensure that the Chair of scrutiny was kept fully informed of any such decisions whenever this was practical.

The Chair also advised that the Local Government Association was pressing the government to allow decisions to be taken through virtual meetings and it was hoped that this would come into effect in the near future, thereby removing the need for this form of urgent decision making.

3. Future Transport Zone:  

The Chair advised that the region had been selected by the government as one of only three Future Transport Zones in the UK. The Combined Authority would lead a £28m package of transport improvements that would soon see people able to plan and move around the region at the touch of button, using the very latest technology, including E-scooters.

4. Government budget:

The Chair advised that the recent government budget had released further significant investment to assist Combined Authorities. The region was set to benefit from a share of additional investment in transport, the Affordable Homes Programme, investment to help homeless people and to release brownfield sites for the establishment of housing. All of this additional investment would impact positively on people’s lives.