Agenda item

Following Scrutiny the report was noted.

Debbie Smith monitoring officer for the city deal presented the joint report compiled by herself, Paul Thomas, the deputy chief executive in Carmarthenshire Council and Craig Griffiths head of legal and democratic services in Neath Port Talbot Council.

Members advised that the review has been endorsed by the joint committee on February 13th.

Officers explained that the purpose of reviewing the PoMo support to the joint committee was driven primarily by funding issues. Members were advised that initially PoMo funding is running out and was funded by a 1.5% government top slicing and by partner contributions. Partner contributions stopped in 2023, making current funding insufficient.

Officers are reviewing objectives to assess the support provided by PoMo as well as exploring efficiencies and better use of support services. Officers will explore potential alignment of PoMo with the Corporate Joint Committee (CJC) for broader regional impact.

Members were advised that the terms of reference for the review have been endorsed by the Swansea Bay City Region Joint Committee and involve a representative group of officers from the four councils. Key members include:

Debbie Smith, Paul Thomas, Craig Griffiths and Chris Moore (151 officer for both City Deal and the CJC) and the Directors of Economic Development from each of the four councils. These officers are crucial for understanding the support needed to deliver the functions of both the City Deal and the CJC.

The terms of reference also explain what the review will cover including looking at the governance framework, the decision-making structures, accountability, affordability, transparency and mechanisms of the city deal and consider alignment with the CJC, the regional transport planning, economic regeneration.

The review will look to identify overlaps, gaps and opportunities for alignment and provide recommendations to enhance collaboration, enhanced governance and enhanced delivery.

Members were advised that the review will identify which staff members are within its scope, including those directly funded by PoMo and those on SLA arrangements funded by city deal grants. Officers feel that it is important to consult these staff members to understand their perspectives on the future support needed for delivery of both the City Deal and the CJC.

Officers need to consider the requirements and expectations of Welsh and UK Governments. Members stated that most projects are in the delivery phase, their timelines vary. There will be an ongoing requirement to report outputs to both governments to satisfy funding arrangements.

Officers will review CJC functions and governance arrangements, considering different PoMo delivery models in Wales and alignment possibilities. They will also assess the internal resources available in each of the four councils, as officers are involved in project delivery.

Officers need to assess their role within the support mechanism and engage with the government. The joint committee approved the report last month and meetings have started, with more planned. Dialogue with key personnel is ongoing and Audit Wales has been consulted. Officers can't provide a timeline for completion and reporting yet.

Members are concerned about linking up with other organisations. They felt that the City Deal initiative is unique compared to Corporate Joint Committees. Members feel that it is crucial for the city deal to focus on infrastructure and job creation. Members felt that while cost concerns are valid, they fear of disrupting the system which works well. Members felt there is a need to carefully consider any changes, even if it means higher costs from grants.

The chair felt it was important to be very careful moving forward.

Members noted the success of the Swansea Bay City Deal and its ongoing projects, like Pentre Awel in Carmarthenshire. They highlighted significant overlaps with the CJC, leading to costly dual structures. A review to explore possible amalgamation was welcomed by some members because of the similarities in strategic development and project delivery between the two. Members felt that despite the effectiveness of both organisations they felt that examining any overlaps could optimise resources, especially after recent budget challenges for every council.

The Chair highlighted the challenge of being both the Chair of this committee and Vice Chair of one of the CJC committees. He mentioned that the Welsh government expects a lot from the councils in terms of funding for the CJC, which is limited. He emphasised the need to be cautious to avoid burdening residents with the costs. The chair noted the validity of both perspectives and chose not to get too involved in the debate.

Members emphasised the importance of identifying similarities and overlaps. They stated that it was crucial to receive feedback on these areas to understand them better and welcomed the open debate as healthy and necessary for transparency.

Officers acknowledged members' comments and will explore all options, including maintaining the current structure. They noted overlaps between the city deal and CJC work but emphasized the importance of fulfilling city deal responsibilities. As projects progress, the focus will shift from implementation to reporting outputs. Discussions will address whether to maintain full resources for the city deal or use them more efficiently.

Officers confirmed that they will be keeping an open mind on everything.

Officers apologised for not being able to give the timescale but assured members that there is a pressing need to report swiftly and want to complete an options paper with, with some outcomes.

Members agreed that Welsh Government funding is crucial for supporting the CJC and City Deal. Members also welcomed the group's membership, ensuring all councils are represented. They felt it is beneficial that familiar officers hold roles in both organisations, aiding accurate reporting and scrutiny. Recognising overlaps, members look forward to reviewing the options once the work is completed.

Following Scrutiny the report was noted.