Agenda and minutes

The Minutes of the previous meeting, held on 1 March 2019, were agreed as an accurate record.

·                   Life Science and Wellness Village at Delta Lakes – Governance and Public Procurement Review (Acuity Legal Limited):

·                   Llanelli Life Science and Well-being Village - WAO

·                   Swansea Bay City Deal Independent Review – Actica (UK and Welsh Government):

·                   Swansea Bay City Deal Internal Review of Governance Arrangements – Joint Internal Report by 4 constituent local authorities:

Councillor R.Stewart as Lead Member and M.James as Lead Chief Executive attended for this item.  In addition J.Hendy (Auditor for Pembrokeshire), Chis Moore (151 Officer),  L.Rees-Jones (Head of Administration and Law at Carmarthenshire) were also present.

The Joint Scrutiny Committee noted the outcomes of the reviews which were included in today’s papers.

Members were advised that the reviews undertaken had been accepted by the Joint Committee and that the Programme Board had been commissioned to develop an action plan to be considered at the next Joint Committee. 

In addition, it was noted that a new Managing Director post had been agreed and the process to appoint had commenced. 

Cllr Stewart referred to informal meetings held with the four constituent leaders and chief executives and advised that Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council would be taking the opportunity to amend some of its projects in line with the Flexibilities clause of the Joint Agreement.  Cllr Stewart expressed surprise at the report recently considered by Neath Port Talbot Council and he confirmed that the Joint Committee had no wish to frustrate the proposals of Neath Port Talbot Council.  The Joint Committee had agreed a six month deadline for Neath Port Talbot’s proposed changes to be considered by the Joint Committee. 

In relation to the current position, it was noted that the Swansea Waterfront project was ongoing and that Yr Egin had been completed.  UK and Welsh Government sign off of these two projects was yet to be received but was believed to be imminent.    In relation to the Pembroke Dock project, the business case was progressing.  The Neath Port Talbot HAPS (Homes as Power Stations) pilot project was also up and running and other local authorities had also started innovative housing projects.  Sign off of the projects had not held up progress.

Members then raised the following:-

·        Some Members expressed a view that Neath Port Talbot Council’s concerns could be seen as cultural as similar concerns had been expressed around regional working in relation to ERW (Education Regional Working).  In this connection it was agreed that the Chief Executive and Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council be invited to discuss the committee’s concerns. 

·        Members asked whether it was possible to move to a unified approach with the Cardiff Metro?  In relation to the inclusion of transport in the Programme, it was noted that this had not been seen as appropriate at the time as electrification of the railway was being considered. 

·        Concern was expressed at the implications for the City Deal Programme should Neath Port Talbot Council withdraw.   In relation to the withdrawal by one authority, it was noted that this would result in further opportunities for the remaining partner authorities.  The Lead Chief Executive advised that if Neath Port Talbot Council withdrew then four projects and £68m would be available for redistribution.  It was hoped, however, that no authority would withdraw as all had a responsibility to deliver for their communities.

·        Members asked whether the structure and process adhered  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.

Committee received, circulated at the meeting, a copy of Cllr Stewart’s response to the Chairman’s letter of 15 February and dated 29 April, 2019.

It was agreed that offices would chase responses to the correspondence from the previous Joint Scrutiny Committee Chair to theChair of the Joint Committee.

Members considered the Forward Work Programme, as contained in the circulated report, and agreed that the meeting scheduled for 16 May be rescheduled to June and that meetings be convened every two months thereafter.

In relation to the next meeting, the items contained in Minute No 2 above be placed on the agenda. In addition, it was agreed that the 151 Officer be invited to the next meeting to give an overview of the risk register and the financial arrangements of the City Deal. In addition it was agreed that the Chair of the Economic Strategy Board be also invited.

It was agreed that J.Hendy, the internal auditor for Pembroke be invited to discuss how progress in delivering the recommendations might be best assessed.

Members also asked that details of any events that relate to the City Deal be forwarded to Members for information.

Members supported the introduction of webcasting meetings and asked that a report on the logistics and costs of undertaking this at the various locations, be submitted for consideration.