Agenda, decisions and minutes
Venue: Wrexham County Borough Council, The Guildhall, Wrexham LL11 1AY
Contact: Eirian Roberts 01286 679018
No. | Item |
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WELCOME AND APOLOGIES Minutes: Everyone was welcomed to the meeting. Apologies were received from Cllr Llinos Medi Huws
(Isle of Anglesey County Council), Cllr Hugh Evans (Denbighshire Council),
Prof. Graham Upton (Bangor University) and David Jones (Coleg Cambria). |
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DECLARATION OF PERSONAL INTEREST Minutes: A declaration of interest was received from Iwan
Trefor Jones for item 9 - Programme Director of North Wales Economic Ambition
Board - due to the nature of the post in question it was a prejudicial interest
and he withdrew from the meeting for this item. |
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URGENT BUSINESS Minutes: There were no urgent items. |
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MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING PDF 68 KB The Chair
shall proppose that the minutes of the previous
meeting held on 1st February, 2019 be signed as a true record (attached). Minutes: The Chair signed the minutes of the previous meeting
held on 1 February as a true record. |
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NORTH WALES ECONOMIC AMBITION BOARD GOVERNANCE PDF 178 KB Report by
Iwan Evans, Gwynedd Council (attached). Decision: Resolved
to: 1.
Accept
the report 2.
Accept that the
North Wales Economic Ambition Board as far as reasonably practicable will meet
at a single appropriate North Wales venue in accordance with the report. 3.
Pending the
establishment of a formal Business Leaders Group, appoint the Chairman of North
Wales Business Group as an Adviser to the Economic Ambition Board and to
confirm the Advisers structure. 4.
That a further
report on proposed Sub-Boards be presented to the next meeting of the North Wales
Economic Ambition Board. 5.
To
accept the Operating Protocol for the North Wales Economic Ambition Board
subject to confirming rights for the Monitoring Officer and the Section 151
Officer to report directly to the North Wales Economic Ambition Board as and
when required. Minutes: Submitted by Iwan Evans, Monitoring Officer. DECISION Resolved to: 1.
Accept the report 2.
Accept that the North Wales Economic Ambition Board as
far as reasonably practicable will meet at a single appropriate North Wales
venue in accordance with the report. 3.
Pending the establishment of a formal Business Leaders
Group Appoint the Chairman of North Wales Business Group as an Adviser to the
Economic Ambition Board and to confirm the Advisers structure. 4.
That a further report on proposed Sub-Boards be
presented to the next meeting of the North Wales Economic Ambition Board. 5.
To accept the Operating Protocol for the North Wales Economic Ambition
Board subject to confirming rights for the Monitoring Officer and the Section
151 Officer to report directly to the North Wales Economic Ambition Board as
and when required. DISCUSSION The report was submitted
and it was stated that its main purpose was to proceed with the Governance
programme. A discussion followed about the individual recommendations contained
in the decision. An appropriate venue for
the meetings was discussed with the intention of having a central location. It
was noted that the next meeting had been arranged in Conwy. It was noted that a
time would not be noted in the protocol, rather a decision was made that the
meeting would aim to start at 1pm, stressing that there was flexibility in
terms of the time. The appointment of
the Chair of North Wales Business Workshop as an adviser to the Economic
Ambition Board was discussed and agreed upon. It was noted that, of the
key themes, Transport and the Digital Plan had been prioritised as the first
sub-committees to be established. It was added that a further discussion was
needed on the matter in order to agree plans to establish the sub-committees in
terms of membership and reporting back to the Ambition Board. Attention was drawn to the
Operational Protocol for the Joint-committee which sets the foundation and
timetable for meetings and reports as well as certainty regarding the direction
of the Board. Observations
arising from the discussion -
A
discussion ensued regarding the key themes that were prioritised and it was
noted that a further discussion was needed in the executive group and to
consider a timetable. -
Attention
was drawn to the Ambition Board reports being submitted to the Executive Group
a fortnight prior to the meeting, noting that reports from the Monitoring
Officer and the Section 151 Officer should not be included in this arrangement
and that they would be able to submit their reports directly to the Board. |
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A GROWTH DEAL FOR NORTH WALES - DRAFT IMPLEMENTATION PLAN PDF 185 KB Report by
Iwan Trefor Jones, Gwynedd Council
(attached). Additional documents: Decision: To approve the Implementation Plan as a basis for further negotiations
with the UK and Welsh Governments
on a potential Heads of Terms agreement for a North Wales Growth Deal subject
to incorporating the following
adaptations in the Plan: 1.
Flexibility
in terms of time-frame, expenditure portfolio and project priorities in Section
7 of the Implementation Plan based on their maturity and affordability. 2.
Flexibility
on the financing package from both Governments in order to implement the projects
in the Implementation Plan. 3.
Add a
timetable for establishing July 2019 as the date for agreeing Heads of Terms
for both Governments. Minutes: The report was submitted by Iwan Trefor
Jones DECISION
To approve the
Implementation Plan as a basis for further negotiations with the UK and Welsh
Governments on a potential Heads of Terms agreement for a North Wales Growth
Deal subject to incorporating the following adaptations in the Plan: 1.
Flexibility in terms of time-frame, expenditure portfolio and project
priorities in Section 7 of the Implementation Plan based on their maturity and
affordability. 2.
Flexibility on the financing package from both Governments in order to
implement the projects in the Implementation Plan. 3.
Add a timetable for establishing July 2019 as the date for agreeing
Heads of Terms for both Governments. DISCUSSION The report was submitted
noting that the purpose of the Implementation Plan was to highlight the Ambition
Board's proposal as well as the context and growth vision. It was explained
that the document had been created in collaboration and had been approved by
the Executive Group. It was added that the plan brought together the main
issues, including the time-scale of the projects, outline business cases and
programme office arrangements. It was explained that the Implementation Plan
would highlight to UK Government and Welsh Government that the projects were
exciting and that there were effective arrangements in the region. Attention was drawn to
Wylfa, noting that the Plan had given full consideration to Wylfa together with
the next steps which would need to be taken. It was added that the role of
businesses could be seen in full now in the Plan, with a Champion from the
Business Sector assigned to every project. It was noted that the
Outline Business Cases presented evidence for all the projects as part of the
Implementation Plan. It was noted that a meeting had been held the previous
week with the North Wales Business Workshop to discuss all the projects noting
outcomes and concerns and highlighting the relationship between the Private
Sector and the Ambition Board. In addition, the need to proceed with some
projects was stressed. Observations
arising from the discussion -
It
was noted that a meeting had been held with the North Wales Business Delivery
Group and the constructive discussions held there were outlined. It was
explained that group members felt positive that much of the work had been done.
It was noted that momentum needed to be raised and projects developed, noting
the importance of developing employment in the first years. Looking at the
budget, it was explained that the Group was happy that more funding was going
to delivering the Sites and Property theme.
It was added that additional funding would be needed to deliver the
Digital theme. It was outlined that key businesses were now part of the deal
and therefore the Group believed that a second advisory board was not needed.
It was emphasised that further work needed to be undertaken to communicate and
build the confidence seen in the region. - Pride was expressed that businesses wanted to be part of the deal, something which ... view the full minutes text for item 6. |
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Report by
Dafydd Edwards, Gwynedd Council
(attached). Decision: I.
To
accept and adopt the Economic Ambition Board's Budget for 2019/20, which is
split to show the Programme Management Office, Accountable Body Support
Services and Joint-Committee costs.
II.
To approve the arrangements and finance for Gwynedd Council to
deliver the Accountable Body functions as set out in the report.
III.
To delegate the authority to the Programme Director and Gwynedd
Council’s Section 151 Officer to implement the budget approved. IV.
To
approve transferring the underspend from the former shadow arrangements to the
Economic Ambition Board Joint Committee. V.
To
approve transferring the underspend at the end of the 2018/19 financial year to
an earmarked reserve that will be available to fund one-off costs in future
years. Minutes: The report was submitted by Dafydd
Edwards DECISION
I.
To accept and adopt the Economic Ambition Board's
Budget for 2019/20, which is split to show the Programme Management Office,
Accountable Body Support Services and Joint-Committee costs.
II.
To approve the arrangements and finance for Gwynedd
Council to deliver the Accountable Body functions as set out in the report.
III.
To delegate the authority to the Programme Director
and Gwynedd Council’s Section 151
IV.
To approve transferring the underspend
from the former shadow arrangements to the Economic Ambition Board Joint
Committee.
V.
To approve transferring the underspend at
the end of the 2018/19 financial year to an earmarked reserve that will be
available to fund one-off costs in future years. DISCUSSION The report was submitted noting the need
to approve the budget and the recommendation submitted. It was noted that
2019/20 would be the first full budget year of the Joint-committee and specific
attention was drawn to the budget headings. It was noted that only three posts
had been funded within the cost of the Programme Management Office and that a
small amount of funding was available for Property. It was noted that as no
decision had been made about the location of the Programme Management Office,
costs could change accordingly. It was added that the budget for the Programme
Management Office presumed that services would need to be bought in in order to
plan and develop projects. It was noted that the cost
for the Support Services of the Accountable Body was a conservative figure, and
that a high proportion of the budget was directed towards the Finance
Department. It was added that this budget included information technology costs
for information technology equipment and support for the three posts in the
Programme Management Office. It was added that costs could change depending on
the location etc. It was noted that the
Partners' Contribution (Others) was a contribution by the six Councils and that
the heading had been changed in order to simplify the budget. The
Joint-committee was asked to adopt the budget in order to be able to proceed. Observations arising from the
discussion: -
A
request was made for a detailed breakdown of the support costs of the Finance
Department, as the figure of £105,000 appeared high. It was noted that a
detailed copy would be sent to the members in the coming days. -
A
request was made for a report on the top tier cost of each heading, to ensure
that the level available for the top tier was accurate, but it was explained
that there would be more clarity about the matter when looking at the business
case models over the coming three months. |
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UPDATE ON THE ECONOMIC AMBITION BOARD WORK PROGRAMME PDF 169 KB Report by
Iwan Trefor Jones, Gwynedd Council
(attached). Additional documents: Decision: To approve the RAG status
(Red, Amber, Green) on all actions
within the Work Programme, noting that two actions
under the Heads of Terms heading noted
below will change from amber
to red. ·
Challenge sessions with Ministers from UK Government and Welsh
Government ·
Formal approval to Heads of Terms for the Growth Deal. Modify the timetable and the responsibility
for some tasks in the Work
Programme, in accordance with the explanation in section 4.3 and 4.4 of the report. Minutes: The report was submitted by Iwan Trefor
Jones DECISION
To approve the RAG status
(Red, Amber, Green) on all actions within the Work Programme, noting that two
actions under the Heads of Terms heading noted below will change from amber to
red. ·
Challenge sessions with Ministers from UK
Government and Welsh Government ·
Formal approval to Heads of Terms for the Growth
Deal. Modify the timetable
and the responsibility for some tasks in the Work Programme, in accordance with
the explanation in section 4.3 and 4.4 of the report. DISCUSSION The report was
submitted, noting that it provided details about the status of each element of
the work programme. It was added that the RAG status (Red, Amber, Green)
highlighted the opinion of the Executive Group. Attention was drawn to the
tasks scheduled for Quarter 1 but would not be completed within the time-frame.
One of these was the challenge sessions with Ministers from UK Government and
Welsh Government. It was noted that assurances were needed that these challenge
meetings would be held. It was explained that a request had
been received to submit a project to the LFFN (Local Full Fibre Network) which
had now been approved and that schemes were in place in order to secure
additional funding. It was added that the document was being worked on
regularly and the Lead Director would report to the Board in order to be entirely
open if there were any slippages in the projects. Observations
arising from the discussion -
It was noted that
the report explained the development and obstacles within the Deal. -
It was noted that
the main concern was the time-frame for formal approval of Heads of Terms, and
the frustration this caused the Board. It was added that the colour for this
point should be changed from amber to red in order to ensure that a time-frame
was in place. It was explained that it would be a good idea to send a letter to
both Governments providing the Ambition Board's time-frame to reach Heads of
Terms. -
It was explained
that discussions would be held regarding the Trawsfynydd location and it was
noted that it would be possible for this project to have a different governance
arrangement from the others. Despite discussions to develop Trawsfynydd, it was
noted that Wylfa needed to be supported also, in terms of location and
opportunities. |
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NORTH WALES ECONOMIC AMBITION BOARD PROGRAMME DIRECTOR PDF 78 KB Report by
Dilwyn Williams, Gwynedd Council
(attached). Decision: It was decided that: I.
A scheduled
meeting of the North Wales Economic Ambition Board will agree on a short list
of candidates to be invited for further consideration. II.
All
short-listed candidates will be invited to attend a Professional Assessment
Centre. The Assessment Centre will be led by an external assessor used by the
Accountable Body for appointments to senior posts. The assessor will provide a
written report of each candidate's performance.
III.
Formal interview of short-listed candidates at an additional
meeting of the Board to be arranged with feedback from the Assessment Centre to
be provided at the
IV.
Following a job evaluation, it was agreed that the post would be
advertised with a salary of £86,000 to £96,000 with the flexibility of a market
addition should an exceptional candidate apply. Minutes: The report was submitted by Dilwyn Williams - Accountable Body
Chief Executive DECISION It was decided that:
I.
A scheduled meeting of the North Wales
Economic Ambition Board will agree on a short list of candidates to be invited
for further consideration.
II.
All short-listed candidates will be invited
to attend a Professional Assessment Centre. The Assessment Centre will be led
by an external assessor used by the Accountable Body for appointments to senior
posts. The assessor will provide a written report of each candidate's
performance.
III.
Formal interview of short-listed candidates at an
additional meeting of the Board to be arranged with feedback from the
Assessment Centre to be provided at the meeting prior to the appointment.
IV.
Following a job evaluation, it was agreed that the
post will be advertised with a salary of £86,000 to £96,000 with the
flexibility of a market addition should an exceptional candidate apply. DISCUSSION The report was submitted noting that the Board had already noted
that it was eager to appoint as soon as possible and to ensure that the
recruitment process was effective and robust. It was noted that the post had
now been evaluated in line with the Gwynedd Council procedures with a salary of
£86,000 to £96,000. Attention was drawn to the recruitment procedure asking which
steps the Board wished to take in terms of advertising and short-listing. Observations arising from the discussion -
It was expressed
that the salary was fair, but the need to be flexible with the salary was added
and it was noted that market supplement would be considered should an
outstanding candidate apply. -
It was noted that
the Ambition Board needed to create a short list at a scheduled meeting. |