Agenda item

The Deputy Leader introduced the above report in relation to the

Swansea Bay City Deal.

Members felt that the updated Agreement and Terms contained in the circulated report were more acceptable in relation to the finance and investment details and also clearly outlined the Authority’s expectations from the Deal. 

Members asked, as this would be a long process with the economic and political climate changing as a result of such things as Brexit, and the impact of such Strategies as the Valleys, whether there would be opportunity to review the Agreement and perhaps add different strands, such as transport?  The Chief Executive advised that the consensus was to allow flexibility in view of changing climates as outlined above. 

Members noted that the Authority would receive 20% of the finances available through the City Region which equated to the 20% of the population residing within the Authority’s area.  The figures presented in the report may fluctuate as a result of grants and the Authority would make efforts to supplement costs by way of additional grants from outside agencies. 

Members expressed concern that none of the Authority’s valley areas had railway access as this would be the catalyst for economic growth.  Could the Valleys’ Strategy Task Force take this on board?

The Deputy Leader advised Council that the existing transport infrastructure needed to be put on a better footing but he was supportive of ensuring rail connections across the region should also be part of the strategic thinking so that there was an integrated long term plan. 

Members supported the proposals contained in the report and acknowledged that this had been previously scrutinised by the Cabinet Scrutiny Committee. 

RESOLVED:      That the Leader of Council be appointed as the Council’s representative on the City Deal Joint Committee and Economic Strategy Board and he be given delegated authority to appoint a deputy to represent the Council in these forums as required.