Agenda, decisions and minutes

Resolved that Councillor Emlyn Dole be elected as Chair of the Joint Committee protem.

Councillor Emly Dole (Chair) presided.

www.swansea.gov.uk/disclosuresofinterests

In accordance with the Code of Conduct, no interests were declared.

To approve & sign the Minutes of the previous meeting(s) as a correct

record.

Resolved that the Minutes of the Swansea Bay City Region Joint Committee held on 10 February, 2022 be approved and signed as a correct record.

The Chair proposed that Agenda Item 7 – Swansea Bay City Deal Portfolio Gateway Assurance Arrangements be deferred for consideration at the next meeting.

The Chair sought approval for  Agenda Item 9 – Swansea Bay City Deal Portfolio Business Case be considered following the announcements of the Chair.

Resolved that the above amendments to the agenda be agreed.

Questions must be submitted in writing to Democratic Services democracy@swansea.gov.uk no later than noon on the working day prior to the meeting. Questions must relate to items on the agenda. Questions will be dealt with in a 10 minute period.

There were no public questions.

Ian Williams, Portfolio Development Manager (Swansea Bay City Region) presented an updated City Deal Portfolio Business Case which was required for submission to Welsh and UK Governments.

He detailed the background and highlighted the significant changes which included:

•       Updated information on the strategic alignment of the portfolio with UK, Wales and Regional policy / strategy and current public sector initiatives with the inclusion of the South West Wales Economic Delivery Plan, the Regional Economic Framework and the Levelling Up / Shared Prosperity Fund initiatives

•       Case for Change section updated with the regional economic policy priorities and evidence base in the SWW Economic Delivery Plan. Current trends, needs and opportunities identified 

•       Revised business case development and approval status with all programmes and projects now having received regional and government approval and the SBCD Portfolio is now in full delivery

•       Revised economic appraisal information for portfolio, programmes and projects

•       Updated funding and investment information with the overall SBCD portfolio forecasted investment now at £1.241bn

•       Updated Monitoring and Evaluation information for the portfolio including an updated Monitoring and Evaluation plan and current information for risks, issues, benefits and financial monitoring

•       Proposed independent assurance arrangements for the portfolio and arrangements for the development and approval of Full Business Cases

•       Updated Communications and Marketing Plan and schedule

•       Current Portfolio delivery roadmap for all programmes and projects

The Committee noted the draft consultation version of the Portfolio Business Case was circulated to all Senior Responsible Owners (SROs) and programme / project leads on 14 January for comment and feedback. The feedback received has been considered and incorporated into the business case where appropriate. The draft business case and appendices were circulated to members of Programme Board, Joint Committee, and key officers in Welsh and UK Governments on 18 February. Briefing sessions on the content of the business case were also offered to stakeholders.

The Business Case was considered and agreed at Programme (Portfolio) Board on 1 March.

The Business Case incorporates stakeholder feedback and, subject to approval by Joint Committee, will be the final version to be sent to the Welsh and UK Governments.

Resolved that the Joint Committee approves the SBCD Portfolio Business Case attached at Appendix A.

Phil Ryder (Swansea Bay City Deal Programme Office) provided a “For Information” report to inform Swansea Bay City Region Joint Committee of the Swansea Bay City Deal Quarterly Monitoring & Monthly Highlight Report for both the Swansea Bay City Deal Portfolio and its constituent programmes / projects.

He outlined and updated the Joint Committee on the progress relating to the following:

·                 Communications and Marketing;

·                 Pembroke Dock Marine;

·                 Pentre Awel;

·                 Yr Egin;

·                 Supporting Innovation & Low Carbon Growth;

·                 Swansea City & Waterfront Digital District;

·                 Digital Infrastructure;

·                 Homes as Power Stations;

·                 Skills & Talent; and

·                 SBCD Campuses.

The Committee congratulated organisers for the recent successful Scarlets Showcase event.

The Chair thanked Mr Ryder for the updates.

Resolved that the report be deferred for consideration at the next meeting.

Jon Burnes (SBCD Portfolio Director) sought approval of the Joint Committee Agreement – Schedule 15 Roles and Responsibilities of the SBCD and PoMO.

The Committee noted the roles and responsibilities  of the SBCD Management Office which were a deed of variation requirement as requested by the Joint Committee following the external Actica Review.

Resolved that the JCA – Schedule 15 as detailed in Appendix A be approved.