To submit
the report of the Leader (attached).
Minutes:
Submitted - a report
by the Leader inviting the Council to approve the scrutiny arrangements for the
Growth Bid Joint Committee (“North Wales Economic Ambition Board”) to be
incorporated in the first stage Governance Agreement.
At the beginning of
the discussion, the Leader and the Corporate Director were thanked for their
work in this field and for being a strong voice for Gwynedd. It was noted that this was the most important
scheme that would be submitted before this Council, and if successful, it would
create many jobs for young people in our areas.
Therefore, it was important that everyone supported this no matter what
the cost would be for this Council.
On the contrary, serious reservations were
expressed about the scheme based on a number of financial and political
risks. The Westminster and Welsh
Governments were happy to bind north Wales with the North West of England
although it would be much more sensible and natural for Gwynedd to collaborate
with counties in west Wales, and counties such as Wrexham and Flintshire would
link with the Northern Powerhouse. There
was concern regarding impact on the rural economy and the fact that the scheme
would drown Gwynedd economically, culturally and linguistically. Also, there was substantial risk associated
with delegating the right for one person to lead the work in Gwynedd, no matter
who would hold the post in future. On
this basis, members were urged not to support the scheme. In response, the Leader noted that he refused
the ideology of withdrawing, building defences and refusing to do anything with
anyone else, and that Gwynedd had to be confident and willing to collaborate
with every northern county in order to thrive in the modern world.
In response to
further observations and questions by the members, the Leader noted:-
·
He had reminded the Secretary of State of his recent failures to attract
investment to Wales and that the future of the Secretary of State depended on
the success of this scheme.
·
The question of business rates was not part of the matter in hand, but
that he was aware of the concerns and that the private sector was a central
part of all discussions.
·
He was very aware of the economic problems of rural areas and although
the Growth Bid could not be the answer to everything,he,
along with other leaders, would voice a strong opinion for projects that would
have an impact across the countryside.
·
The aim of the Growth Bid and this Council's strategy was to increase
the skills of Gwynedd residents rather than the money leaving the area to the
major companies.
·
Although there was no scheme involved directly with agriculture, the importance
of securing input from both agricultural unions to the project was recognised,
especially in view of Brexit implications.
·
Approving arrangements
did not constitute signing any blank cheques.
Although he understood that there was an element of cynicism regarding
this scheme, in view of the failure of some schemes in the past, this did not
mean that we should not take advantage of what was being proposed this time.
·
He was not able to make decisions on a number of matters without the
approval of the full Council.
·
The Growth Bid had led to a political agreement across north Wales.
RESOLVED to approve the scrutiny arrangements
for the Growth Bid Joint Committee (“North Wales Economic Ambition Board”) to
be incorporated in the first stage Governance Agreement.
Supporting documents: