Agenda and minutes

Venue: By Skype. View directions

Contact: Email: steve.boyd@powys.gov.uk 

Items
No. Item

1.

CROESO AC YMDDIHEURIADAU / WELCOME AND APOLOGIES

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received from Arwyn Davies, Corporate Manager CCC.

2.

DATGANIADAU O FUDDIANT PERSONOL / DECLARATIONS OF PERSONAL INTEREST

Minutes:

There were no declarations of personal interest made.

3.

MINUTES

3a

Cofnodion y Cyfarfod Diwethaf / Minutes of the Last Meeting 20/11/19 pdf icon PDF 505 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The minutes of the last meeting of the Shadow Board held on 20th November 2019 were agreed as a correct record.

3b

Cofnodion Sesiwn Cabinet ar y Cyd ar y Ddogfen Gynnig / Minutes of the Joint Cabinet Session on the Proposition Document 21/02/20 pdf icon PDF 277 KB

Minutes:

The minutes of the joint Cabinet meeting held on 21 February 2020 were agreed as a correct record.

4.

DOGFEN GYNNIG: GWELEDIGAETH AR GYFER TYFU CANOLBARTH CYMRU Cynllun Economaidd Strategol a Cynllun y Fargen Dwf / PROPOSITION DOCUMENT: A VISION FOR GROWING MID WALES Strategic Economic Plan & Growth Deal Roadmap pdf icon PDF 2 MB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

CJE explained that the proposition document had been slightly updated since it had been considered by the Economic Strategy Group (ESG) on 9 March to reflect the Covid-19 pandemic. He felt confident that despite the pandemic, the document remained valid as a baseline of the Mid Wales economy outlining both councils clear strategic priorities to instigating positive, long-term and sustainable change that would drive recovery efforts and pursue future growth.

 

It had been pitched at the strategic level deliberately in terms of framing the Growth Deal as per previous discussions with both Governments about developing it iteratively and progressively – ensuring the evidence base was right, putting in the right governance and working arrangements and ensuring there was a clear vision and understanding of the requirements in the Mid Wales region. Informal feedback from Welsh Government officials was that the document had been pitched correctly and that despite the pandemic, funding was available for the Growth Deal. Responding to questions about the approach being taken, CJE explained that Welsh Government was anxious that lessons were learned from the Swansea Bay and North Wales Growth Deals.

 

FS asked about what projects had been identified and CJE advised that whilst there had been some informal discussions, formal discussions would not begin until the proposition document had been submitted. RH was keen for discussion on which projects would be supported as soon as the proposition document had been signed off and EAG noted that this could be raised in the Leaders’ meeting with the Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales later in the week. JE wanted more proactive communications to encourage projects to come forward.

 

It was agreed to approve the proposition document “A Vision for Growing Mid Wales” in final draft form and to agree to its submission to both Governments to initiate formal negotiations.

 

 

5.

ADNODDAU: ARIAN REFENIW LLYWODRAETH CYMRU / RESOURCING: WELSH GOVERNMENT REVENUE FUNDING pdf icon PDF 328 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Confirmation had been received from Welsh Government that £45k funding had been awarded  for 2019/20 and £95k for 2020/21. This funding would need to be matched by both Councils, with both Councils needing to commit £50k each with a decision required before the next Board meeting. CT advised that PCC had made provision in its budget. She and EE would draft a paper for consideration by both Cabinets.  CJE would map put the key tasks and  bring a further report on the allocation of resources to the next meeting.

 

RH asked when a decision would be taken on whether £2m funding would be awarded. CJE advised that he was required to submit a full business plan. A decision would be needed by July at the latest.

 

FS and PD reported growing frustration from businesses who wanted to see progress being made on the Growth Deal. EAG noted that the progress was dependent on the UK and Welsh Governments that provided the funding. She and RH were due to meet the Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales and the Secretary of State for Wales and would be able to provide an update after that meeting.

 

6.

DIWEDDARIAD LLYWODRAETHU Ar lafar / GOVERNANCE UPDATE Verbal

6a

Cytundeb Rhyng-Awdurdod / Inter-Authority Agreement

Minutes:

There was nothing to update.

 

6b

Trefniadau Craffu Rhanbarthol / Regional Scrutiny Arrangements

Minutes:

A Joint Scrutiny Committee made up of 7 members from each authority would be established as soon as possible.

 

6c

Grwp Strategaeth Economaidd Strategaeth Economaidd / Economic Strategy Group

Minutes:

FS was keen for the ESG to start looking at projects but was advised that discussions with businesses would not begin in earnest until the proposition document had been approved. In the meantime, CJE would update her on the informal discussions that had been taking place outside of the meeting.

 

FS also raised the situation of businesses in the current pandemic. The Economic Development teams in both councils were working to help businesses access government grants and were beginning to plan for the recovery phase. Rhodri Griffiths in Welsh Government had offered to assist. RH advised that she had asked for a meeting of the WLGA Rural Forum with the Minister of Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs.

 

It was agreed to ask officers to prepare a paper for the WLGA Rural Forum on the impact of the pandemic on rural businesses.

 

6d

Partneriaeth Dysgu a Sgiliau Rhanbarthol / Regional Learning & Skills Partnership

Minutes:

EE reported a meeting the previous week with Rhodri Griffiths and Huw Morris of Welsh Government looking at how the Growth Deal could be aligned with learning and skills. A further commitment had been made to funding but a promised letter setting out details had not been received yet. EAG said she would raise with the Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales.

 

7.

UNRHYW FATER ARALL / ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Minutes:

None.

8.

DYDDIADAU CYFARFODYDD / DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS

I’w adolygu / To be reviewed:

28 Mai/May 2020  -15.30, Llandrindod  

3 Medi/September 2020 – 14.30, Ystwyth, Aberaeron

18 Tachwedd/ November 2020 - 14.30, Llandrindod  

Minutes:

Noted.