Minutes:
(At this point in the
meeting, Nicola Pearce reaffirmed her interest in this item, and withdrew from
the meeting for the discussion and voting thereon.)
Decisions:
1.
That delegated
authority be granted to the Chief Executive (in consultation with the Leader
and relevant Cabinet Member) to agree any variations that may be required to
the draft Celtic Freeport Full Business Case, as set out at Appendix 2 to the
circulated report, and to approve its submission to the UK and Welsh
governments.
2.
That delegated
authority be granted to the Chief Executive (in consultation with the Leader
and relevant Cabinet Member) to enter into a Tax Site Delivery Agreement in
respect of any land within the boundary of the proposed tax site that falls
within the ownership of Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council.
3.
That delegated
authority be granted to the Chief Executive to enter into
a new Memorandum of Understanding to continue with the programme of next steps
identified in the circulated report, noting that further reports will be
brought back to Members on the points referenced herein.
Reason for Decisions:
Freeport
status will act as a catalyst for significant economic growth within the
locality and the wider region linked to the emerging off-shore
wind sector and wider renewables agenda. Celtic Freeport will also support work
to decarbonise industry, housing and transport at local regional and national
levels helping to meet the net zero carbon targets. Green economic growth will
help to address structural issues of poverty and deprivation in the local and
regional economy stimulating the local supply chain and increasing the skills
and qualifications of the resident population.
Implementation of Decisions:
The
decisions are for immediate implementation, following the consent of the
Scrutiny Chair. This item is not subject to the 3 day
call in process.