Minutes:
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
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 determine the Council’s
future participation in the City Deal and, if determined appropriate,
to serve a notice of withdrawal from the Joint Working Agreement
(as identified in paragraphs 35-39 of the circulated report).
Following
Scrutiny the majority of the Committee was not supportive of the proposals to
be considered by the Cabinet Board.