Agenda and minutes

It was agreed that Councillor S.K. Hunt be appointed as Chairperson and Councillor L.Jones as Vice Chairperson for the meeting.

The following Members made declarations of interest at the commencement of the meeting:-

Councillor A.Llewellyn          Re -        The Report of the Chief Executive, on the Swansea Bay City Deal, as he is a member of the Swansea City Deal Joint Regional Scrutiny Committee.

Councillor L.C. Jones          Re -        The Report of the Chief Executive, on the Swansea Bay City Deal, as she is a member of the Swansea City Deal Joint Regional Scrutiny Committee.

Councillor S. Freeguard      Re -        The Report of the Chief Executive, on the Swansea Bay City Deal, as she is a member of the Swansea City Deal Joint Regional Scrutiny Committee.

The Committee scrutinised the following Cabinet Board item:

Swansea Bay City Deal

The Chief Executive gave an overview of the circulated report in relation to the Swansea Bay City Deal.   The report referred to the governance, partnership and other issues, also the proposed way forward in terms of the projects upon which Neath Port Talbot led.

It was noted that the UK/Welsh Government Review and Joint Committee Internal Review of Governance Arrangements, were included in Appendix 1 and 2 of the circulated report.  These had been discussed at the City Deal Joint Committee on 28 March, 2019. It was noted that an Action/Implementation Plan covering both had been commissioned from the Programme Board and would be submitted to the Joint Committee for consideration.

A discussion took place regarding the inadequate standard of business cases which were identified in the both reviews.  Officers stated that the impact of the Swansea Bay City Deal review was more positive than the Joint Committee Review, however the onus was on the region to develop an action plan to address the issues contained in the reports. 

Reassurance was given that a new business case would be taken to Cabinet for approval, and that there would be an opportunity to scrutinise the report at that time. 

In response to Members queries regarding the delegated authority outlined in recommendation number 4 of the circulated report.  Officers explained that if delegated authority was not approved, the Council would not be able to act quickly to avoid any further delays.  Cost implications also needed to be taken into account.

In relation to Member’s queries regarding the governance arrangements, and the timescale on business cases, it was highlighted that the Council was trying to address governance issues through this process, and would be included in the business case.

Reassurances were given that, if the decision was to withdraw from the Swansea Bay City Deal, further discussions would take place and there would be a full and valid reasons as to why withdrawal would take place, and the full extent of potential liabilities would be determined.

A discussion took place on regional working in South Wales and that it was not being dynamic, officers highlighted that regional working was working in some areas, but not all.  The Authority was trying to address this.

A formal amendment to the Recommendation 3 contained within the circulated report was proposed and seconded.

Agree that the Leader of Council be granted delegated authority,

in consultation with the Deputy Leader, Cabinet Members for

Finance and Regeneration & Sustainable Development and the

Leaders of the Opposition groups, to negotiate the Council’s

future participation in the City Deal and, if determined appropriate,

to recommend a notice of withdrawal from the Joint Working Agreement for scrutiny and determination by Cabinet and Council.

(as identified in paragraphs 35-39 of the circulated report).

As a result the amendment fell.

The Joint Cabinet and Education, Skills and Culture Scrutiny Committee proposed and seconded the initial proposals contained within the report:-

Agree that the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.