A meeting of the
West of England Joint Committee
will be held on
Date: Friday 27th July 2018
Time: 1.00pm or the rise of the West of England Combined Authority Committee Please note this means the Joint Committee may commence prior to 1.00pm.
Place: Council Chamber, Kingswood Civic Centre, South Gloucestershire Council, High Street, BS15 4AJ
Notice of this meeting is given to members of the West of England Joint Committee as follows:
Cllr Tim Warren, Bath & North East Somerset Council Cllr Craig Cheney, Bristol City Council attending on behalf of Mayor Marvin Rees Cllr Elfan Ap Rees, North Somerset Council attending on behalf of Nigel Ashton Cllr Toby Savage, South Gloucestershire Council Mayor Tim Bowles, West of England Combined Authority
Enquiries to:
Jemma Hall and Emma Lewis West of England Combined Authority Office Rivergate 3 Temple Way Bristol, BS1 6ER Email: [email protected] Tel: 0117 42 86210
West of England Joint Committee Agenda
YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO:- • Attend all WECA, Committee and Sub-Committee meetings unless the business to be dealt with would disclose ‘confidential’ or ‘exempt’ information. • Inspect agendas and public reports five days before the date of the meeting. • Inspect agendas, reports and minutes of the WECA and all WECA Committees and Sub- Committees for up to six years following a meeting. • Inspect background papers used to prepare public reports for a period of up to four years from the date of the meeting. (A list of background papers to a report is given at the end of each report.) A background paper is a document on which the officer has relayed in writing the report. • Have access to the public register of names, addresses and wards of all Councillors sitting on WECA, Committees and Sub-Committees with details of the membership of all Committees and Sub-Committees. • Have a reasonable number of copies of agendas and reports (relating to items to be considered in public) made available to the public attending meetings of WECA, Committees and Sub- Committees. • Have access to a list setting out the decision-making powers WECA has delegated to their officers and the title of those officers. • Copy any of the documents mentioned above to which you have a right of access. There is a charge of 15p for each side of A4, subject to a minimum charge of £4. • For further information about this agenda or how the Authority works please contact Joanna Greenwood, telephone 0117 42 86210 or e-mail: [email protected]
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Guidance for press and public attending this meeting
The Openness of Local Government Bodies Regulations 2014 mean that any member of the public or press attending this meeting may take photographs, film or audio record proceedings and may report on the meeting including by use of social media (oral commentary is not permitted during the meeting as it would be disruptive). This will apply to the whole of the meeting except where there are confidential or exempt items, which may need to be considered in the absence of the press or public.
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An archived recording of the proceedings will also be available for viewing after the meeting. The Combined Authority may also use the images/sound recordings on its social media site or share with other organisations, such as broadcasters.
To comply with the Data Protection Act 2018, we require the consent of parents or guardians before filming children or young people. For more information, please speak to the camera operator.
1. EVACUATION PROCEDURE In the event of a fire, please await direction from South Gloucestershire Council staff who will help assist with the evacuation. Please do not return to the building until instructed to do so by the fire warden(s).
2. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE To receive apologies for absence from Members.
3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST UNDER THE LOCALISM ACTION 2011 Members who consider that they have an interest to declare are asked to: a) State the item number in which they have an interest, b) The nature of the interest, c) Whether the interest is a disclosable pecuniary interest, non-disclosable pecuniary interest or non-pecuniary interest. Any Member who is unsure about the above should seek advice from the Monitoring Officer prior to the meeting in order to expedite matters at the meeting itself.
4. MINUTES To consider and approve the minutes from 1 June 2018 of West of England Joint Committee Meeting.
5. CHAIR ANNOUNCEMENTS To receive announcements from the Chair of the West of England Joint Committee.
6. COMMENTS FROM CHAIR OF LOCAL ENTERPRISE PARTNERSHIP To be presented by the Chair of the West of England LEP.
7. ITEMS FROM THE PUBLIC Members of the public can speak for up to 3 minutes each. The total time for this session is 30 minutes so speaking time will be reduced if more than 10 people wish to speak.
If you wish to present a petition or make a statement and speak at the meeting, you are required to give notice of your intention by noon on the working day before the meeting by e-mail to [email protected]. The deadline is 12pm on Thursday 26 July.
If you wish to ask a question at the meeting, you are required to submit the question in writing to [email protected] no later than 3 working days before the meeting. The deadline is 5pm on Monday 23 July.
8. PETITIONS Any member of the West of England Joint Committee may present a petition at a West of England Joint Committee Meeting.
9. LEP ONE FRONT DOOR FUNDING PROGRAMME To consider business cases for schemes seeking approval for funding through the Local Growth Fund. Also to consider the reallocation of funding for schemes within the LGF and Economic Development Fund programmes.
10. SUB NATIONAL TRANSPORT BODIES To seek the views of the Joint Committee and secure their endorsement to engage in discussions regarding the proposals for creation and facilitation of an informal Sub National Transport Board.
11. TO NOTE THE WORK ON THE DEVELOPMENT INDUSTRY PANEL To seek the views of the Joint Committee and secure their endorsement to establish a Mayoral Development Industry Panel.
12. AGREE SCOPE AND TIMETABLE FOR DEVELOPMENT OF OPTIONS FOR A JOINT ASSET BOARD To update the Joint Committee members on the current position with the One Public Estate and in particular the wave 6 bidding round. To seek the views of the Joint Committee and secure their endorsement) to move forward with the shaping of the proposed Joint Assets Board (JAB).
13. LOCAL ENTERPRISE AND INVESTMENT BRISTOL & BATH BUDGET OUTTURN 2018/19 This report presents the forecast revenue outturn budget monitoring information for the West of England Joint Committee for the financial year 2018/19 based on actual data for the period April
2018 to June 2018. This report covers the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and Invest in Bristol and Bath (IBB) revenue budgets.
14. ANY OTHER ITEM THE CHAIR DECIDES IS URGENT
Next meeting: FRIDAY 28TH SEPTEMBER 2018
DRAFT Minutes – Joint Committee 01 June 2018
Minutes of the meeting of the West of England Joint Committee Friday 1st June 2018
Members: Cllr Tim Warren, Bath & North East Somerset Council Mayor Marvin Rees, Bristol City Council Cllr Nigel Ashton, North Somerset Council Cllr Toby Savage, South Gloucestershire Council Mayor Tim Bowles, West of England Combined Authority
DRAFT Minutes – Joint Committee 01 June 2018
9. Election of Chair and Vice Chair
Agenda number 9 ‘Election of Chair and Vice Chair’ moved to start.
John McCormack, Interim Monitoring Officer for The West of England Combined Authority, requested nominations and a seconder for the position of Chair of the Joint Committee. Cllr Tim Warren nominated Mayor Tim Bowles. Mayor Marvin Rees seconded the nomination. John McCormack then moved to the vote and Mayor Tim Bowles was unanimously voted in as Chair of the Joint Committee.
The newly elected Chair, Mayor Tim Bowles, then asked for nominations for the position of Vice Chair. Cllr Tim Warren nominated Cllr Toby Savage for the position of Vice Chair. The Chair then requested a seconder. Mayor Marvin Rees seconded the nomination. The Chair then moved to the vote and Cllr Toby Savage was unanimously voted to the position of Vice Chair.
The Chair gave his thanks and best wishes to Matthew Riddle as the outgoing Chair for all the work he has done. He then thanked Mayor Marvin Rees as the outgoing Vice Chair.
1. Welcomes and Introductions
The Chair, Mayor Tim Bowles of the West of England Combined Authority, welcomed everyone attending the meeting and colleagues around the table to the Council Chamber in Bristol City Hall for the West of England Joint Committee meeting.
He introduced his colleagues - Councillor Tim Warren from Bath & North East Somerset Council - Mayor Marvin Rees from Bristol City Council - Councillor Toby Savage, the new Leader of South Gloucestershire Council - Professor Stephen West of the Local Enterprise Partnership
The Chair extended the Committee’s thanks to Cllr Matthew Riddle, former Leader of South Gloucestershire Council, for his contributions to this Committee since its formation in March 2017.
The Chair drew attention to the fire evacuation procedure and reminded attendees that the meeting was being recorded and that a recording would be available on the website following the meeting.
2. Apologies for Absence
Chair noted apologies from Cllr Nigel Ashton, Leader of North Somerset Council.
DRAFT Minutes – Joint Committee 01 June 2018
3. Declarations of Interest Under the Localism Action 2011
None were declared.
4. Minutes
Resolved: That the minutes of the meeting on 18th April 2018 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.
5. Chair Announcements
The Chair confirmed that the following items would be discussed at the meeting:
- Approval of the WECA business plan for 2018/19 – this was covered at the WECA Committee but was also brought to Joint Committee as it includes delivery of Local Enterprise Partnership activity - An update on progress with the Joint Transport Plan - An update on Metrobus - A request to allocate £6M of Skills Capital Funding - Proposals to strengthen the One Front Door programme governance. Again this item was discussed at the WECA Committee but was also brought to this Committee who oversee the One Front Door Programme.
6. Comments from Chair of Local Enterprise Partnership
The Chair invited Professor Stephen West to address the Committee on the work of the Local Enterprise Partnership and LEP Board. Professor West reported that he had attended a meeting of the network of LEP Chairs, where they discussed the Civil Service review of LEPs and their relationship with Combined Authorities (where there is one). They are hopeful of having clarity from Government on this point by the summer, including the accountabilities and responsibilities that flow as a result.
The LEP has shared its current structure and governance with Government and is hoping it will be used as a template for the rest of England. A meeting is planned with the Prime Minister at No 10 Downing Street to understand how LEPs (and Combined Authorities) will translate Government’s Industrial Strategy into local strategies. Professor West said as a region we are looking for inclusive and sustainable growth that engages with all cities and regions across the country.
He followed by saying a meeting took place this week with the Secretary of State for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to help them understand how the LEP is supporting people in the City Region back in to work. In response to an expressed interest in how DWP could assist, the LEP had encouraged Government departments to work together in a more joined up way – in particular how the DWP, DfE and Home Office could DRAFT Minutes – Joint Committee 01 June 2018
work together to resolve some difficult issues. The two issues stated were the health sector workforce facing issues around immigration, and the Apprenticeship Levy:
• Professor West raised concerns regarding the review of the visa restriction in the UK, in particularly for the public health sector and the impact it will have on its workforce.
• In terms of the skills agenda, Professor West reported discussion focussed on how to best use the Apprenticeship Levy. The recommendation was made for a proportion of the funds to be redistributed back to the regions and used more flexibly. Specifically to support the existing workforce enhance their skills and reskill, as well as bringing in new workforce.
Professor West heralded the first run of Metrobus as a great start for the future in terms of thinking strategically about the transport network across the City Region.
He followed by noting the fact Bristol has been shortlisted as a location for a new Channel 4 hub, as another fantastic example of joined up working. He thanked contributors to the bid, Invest Bristol and Bath, Mayor Marvin Rees, Lynn Barlow from the University of the West of England and many others who are working with the Creative and Cultural Industries. He then stressed the fact that there is strong competition before any decision is made and the need to continue to work hard in order to be successful.
Professor West noted the LEP’s concerns relating to the planned removal of the toll from the Severn bridge (linking the West of England to Wales). Their concerns particularly relate to traffic management issues for the business communities of Bristol’s north fringe and Filton. This is seen as a particular issue as the areas already suffer from gridlock on the roads.
He reported that in relation to the post-16 skills agenda, the LEP is reviewing the skills education offer. They are working to join up sharing information and ways of working between authorities across boundaries.
The Chair thanked Professor West and the LEP board who represent business in our area. He then echoed the stated view regarding the Channel 4 opportunity and said he looked forward to all involved working together.
7. Items from the Public
The Chair thanked everyone who had submitted items to the public forum.
The Chair confirmed that two questions had been received and written responses had been provided to the questions.
DRAFT Minutes – Joint Committee 01 June 2018
The Chair then confirmed three statements had been received and invited attendees to speak in the order their statements had been received.
David Redgewell, South West Transport Network, TSSA and Director of Bus Users (UK)
Mr Redgewell addressed the committee to stress the need for a bus strategy for the region, including North Somerset. He emphasised the need for good integration between different modes of transport (eg rail, bus and ferry) at Bristol Temple Meads. Mr Redgewell also noted the need to pursue an integrated, inter-modal travel card within the WECA region.
He requested an update on Metro West Phase One and proposed WECA scrutinise the Cross Country franchise on a series of points and called on WECA to pursue realistic light rail plans with the first route to Bristol Airport.
Christina Biggs, FOSBR
Christina Biggs welcomed the comments from the LEP (Professor Steve West) on the removal of bridge tolls. She proposed Park and Ride as a potential solution to increased congestion. She noted that in other cities rail links with other transport modes, but Metrobus doesn’t. She underlined the fact the rail plan includes proposals to increase capacity as well as helping to address issues contributing to congestion and air quality in Bristol.
Thomas Gravatt, Portishead Back on Track, North Somerset Liberal Democrats
Mr Gravatt said the organisation he was representing has collected over 1,000 signatures since it was set up in support of fully funding the Portishead railway following the rejection of the bid by the Department of Transport. He pointed out the disparity between London and the South West in terms of recent Treasury transport investment. He went on to ask WECA to source alternative funding for the MetroWest Phase One rail link plans which would help ease congestion, cut pollution and provide economic benefits.
8. Petitions
No petitions were presented.
9. Agenda number not used (Election of Chair and Vice Chair moved to start)
10. Business Plan
This item was discussed at WECA Committee and also brought to Joint Committee as the Business Plan includes items to support the Local Enterprise Partnership.
DRAFT Minutes – Joint Committee 01 June 2018
At the April meeting the committee requested a final version of the Business Plan be reported back for approval. The updated version of the plan presented to this meeting included an equalities impact assessment and risk assessment. These were used to inform the forward plan of key decisions for this Committee and the associated calendar of meetings, both of which were appended to the report. A cumulative impact assessment will also take place.
The Committee was asked to approve the Business Plan and to note the forward plan of key decisions and calendar of meetings.
The Chair then moved the recommendations and Cllr Tim Warren seconded them. A vote was taken and all present confirmed they were in favour and the vote was therefore carried.
In the absence of North Somerset, on being put to the vote this was carried by majority decision.
Resolved: 1. Approve the amendments to the Constitution included at Appendix 1 to this report.
The Chair then brought the attention of the committee to recommendations two and three for them to note. These were duly noted: 2. To note the Forward Plan of Key Decisions for 2018/19 3. To note the Calendar of Meetings for 2018/19
11. Transport Update
This item was to update the Committee on progress towards producing the new Joint Local Transport Plan.
The item was to note the revised timescale for producing the Joint Local Transport Plan. This was formally noted.
12. Metrobus Update
The Chair introduced the item. He reminded those attending the meeting that the Metrobus scheme is a partnership between three councils (Bristol City Council, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset).
The Chair then welcomed Peter Mann (Service Director of Transport at Bristol City Council) and his team to present an update. Peter Mann then provided a verbal update with accompanying Powerpoint presentation.
The Chair thanked Peter Mann and his team for attending the meeting and for the presentation. He highlighted the broad scope of the work undertaken and noted the breadth of activity undertaken behind the scenes to support the project. DRAFT Minutes – Joint Committee 01 June 2018
He then asked members of the Committee to add any points or raise any questions.
Cllr Savage said this is the largest investment in transport in the region in his lifetime. He added that the Stoke Gifford link has completely transformed the lives of local people for the better. Finally, he requested lessons learnt from such a large investment be fed into future stages. The Metrobus team confirmed this is happening and will continue to take place.
Mayor Rees echoed the previous point regarding the importance of the transfer of lessons learnt to upcoming work, using this as ‘step one’ and as a foundation for bigger ambitions for the future and delivering the required transport infrastructure for the region. He then emphasised the need for the politicians to be open about the issues the project had faced and to have a ‘mature conversation’.
Cllr Warren then spoke. He agreed with Mayor Rees’s comments and the need to look at the positives. He then applauded his neighbouring councils for their commitment to such an ambitious project.
Professor West then recognised the requirement for collaboration on a project like this and underlined the need for the LEP and other strategic partners to champion the project and make it work. He said the next stage is to look at how other transport modes (such as rail or bus networks) connect to it. He said there is a commitment from all sectors to capitalise on this success and accelerate progress.
The Chair emphasised the positivity of the project and thanked all the work undertaken by the team. He then asked James Freeman (Managing Director of First Bus) for any comments. He said he sees this as a fantastic accelerator, creating many further opportunities. He also reported positive feedback from the public in terms of the investment in public transport.
13. Skills Funding Allocation
The Chair introduced a report that sought approval to allocate funding from within the Local Growth Fund towards skills capital projects and to allocate LEP funding to careers advice.
They were seconded by Cllr Warren.
Cllr Savage commented on South Gloucestershire & Stroud College (SGS) and particularly paragraphs 10 and 11, and Recommendation 3. He pointed out the SGS made a bid as part of the process and had a low score in some critical areas of the assessment process, but they did however make a strong case in terms of sufficiency and demand. He made the point that the demand is going to increase as the sites identified in the Metrobus presentation are built out. He therefore welcomed Recommendation 3 (the review of capital and re-evaluation of schemes). DRAFT Minutes – Joint Committee 01 June 2018
Cllr Warren made the link between developing skills and job creation, as well as the improved quality of life for local people.
Professor West underlined the need for a strategic review of learning provision for 16-25 year olds, as well as the interrelationship between neighbouring authorities. He emphasised the need to understand how to support people into employment, whether through apprenticeships, university or other routes.
The Chair moved the vote. He confirmed recommendations 1 and 2 required a majority decision of the four Local Authorities and the Combined Authority Mayor.
On being put to the vote the motion was carried unanimously.
Resolved:
The Committee resolved to:
1. Allocate £6m from LGF funding to the City of Bristol, South Bristol Construction Skills and invite the College to produce a full business case.
2. Approve pipeline status for the Animal Management Education Centre promoted by Weston College pending a review of the overall funding position within LGF.
The Chair stated that Recommendation 3 was to note:
3. Note the intention to develop options to fund development of business cases for the following schemes: Catering & Hospitality Education & Training Hub (Bath College); Digital & Creative Innovation Centre (Bath College) & STEM Centre (SGS College).
This was duly noted.
The Chair then stated Recommendation 4 required a majority decision of the four Local Authorities. On being put to the vote the motion was carried unanimously.
Resolved:
4. Approve a virement of £50k (£25k pa) from the LEP interest income budget as match funding to support an additional enterprise co-ordinator for the West of England.
DRAFT Minutes – Joint Committee 01 June 2018
14. Programme Governance for One Front Door
The Chair introduced the report proposing amendments to the governance arrangements and a set of delegations to ensure timely and effective monitoring of the Investment Fund and One Front Door schemes.
The Chair pointed out that the report had already been presented to the WECA Committee, but was being brought to the Joint Committee as they oversee the One Front Door programme.
The Chair moved to the recommendations in the report and asked for a seconder.
Cllr Savage seconded the recommendations.
Professor West asked that in light of where the Government review is going, to check that on the diagram in Appendix 1, the statement next to “LEP Board Key Strategic Decisions” is aligned to the LEP Terms of Reference and is absolutely correct.
The Chair moved to the vote, and confirmed that, in line with the constitution, both recommendations required a majority decision of the three Local Authorities and the Combined Authority Mayor. On being put to the vote the motion was carried unanimously by the three Local Authorities and the Combined Authority Mayor. The result was therefore declared as carried. Resolved: That the Joint Committee: 1. Agrees the proposed governance approach set out in Appendix 1 2. Approves the One Front Door programme delegations in Appendix 2
15. Any Other Item the Chair Decides is Urgent
There were no urgent items. The Chair confirmed the next meeting will take place on Friday 27th July. The Chair thanked everyone for their attendance, and to Bristol City Council for allowing the use of City Hall.
The meeting was declared closed.
Signed:
Chair, West of England Joint Committee
Date:
DRAFT Minutes – Joint Committee 01 June 2018
Appendix 1 – Public Forum – Statement
Public Forum West of England Joint Committee Statements 1 June 2018
Public Forum
Statements Received
Statement Name, organisation 1. David Redgewell, South West Transport Network West of England Transport Links 2. Christina Biggs, Friends of Suburban Bristol Rail FOSBR Rail Plan 2018 3. Thomas Gravatt, Portishead Back on Track, North Somerset Lib Democrats Portishead Railway and MetroWest Phase One
Public Forum West of England Joint Committee Statements 1 June 2018
Statement 1
David Redgewell, SWTN
Bus Strategy • The Combined Authority needs a Bus Strategy for its area plus N Somerset, it should also focus on corridors such as Bath to Frome, Chippenham and Melksham • The approach should be that of Quality Partnerships with First and other operators
Bristol Temple Meads Integration • There should continue to be good integration between Rail, Bus and Ferry • Bus Stops need to be retained as close to the trains as possible • The interchange should be kept as easy as it is now • Stops for services to Wells, Glastonbury, Bath, Stockwood and Brislington should be protected
MetroWest Phase One I request an update on the current position on Metro West Phase One and assurances on what is planned specifically around Portbury, Henbury Loop and the Portishead Line
Rail WECA needs to set up some scrutiny over the Cross Country franchise and attend all relevant meetings as required Specific points • number of carriages and length of trains • frequency of service • transport security and the installation and use of CCTV on all trains • Re introduce refurbished HST’s on Penzance to Stafford • Additional calls at Bridgwater and Worle
Integrated Ticketing WECA to pursue an Integrated Travel Card for use on all buses, trains and ferries
Light Rail WECA to pursue realistic Light Rail plans with the first route to Bristol Airport.
Public Forum West of England Joint Committee Statements 1 June 2018
First of all South West Transport Network support the statement made to BANES Full Council on 10th May 2018 on bus services made by Graham Ellis - Community Rail Officer for the Trans-Wilts Community Rail Partnership below :-
"Four buses an hour from Melksham into Bath is a golden opportunity to nurture modal change - to have people willingly shift from car to public transport, with its environmental gains (congestion, air pollution, resource conservation) by offering them a carrot (cheap fares, no problem finding parking, bus lane journeys) rather than by waving a stick. And with two buses an hour (D3 from First) going via Melksham Forest, Atworth and Box, and the other one or two (x72 from Faresaver) from Devizes and via Shaw and Bathford, the service is "feathered out" to pick up and drop off very close to many people's homes. "Park and Ride"? Sort of - park at home and ride all the way in. There's a commonality of routes though - from Bowerhill, Melksham Town Centre, and Atworth and we really hope that the new service does not get turned into a bus war between the services.
The regulatory frameworks currently used on commercial routes place operators in competition with each other, to the extent that they haven't even been allowed to co-operate in many ways as that could be regarded as a cartel by the Competition and Mergers Authority. This may be in the interest of any potential further operators wishing to enter this market, but results in such outcomes as return tickets that are not interchangeable between operators, buses running close together and then with a longish gap, and separate timetables ... when what the customer wants is a bus going where he wants to go, when he wants to go, safely and comfortably, with welcome staff. Which uniform (if any) the staff wear is of little consequence, though facilities such as WiFi and the particular routes taken in town might be.
Enhanced and Advanced Partnership schemes (2017 Bus Services Act) allow local transport authorities - that's BANES and Wiltshire Councils in the case of the D1 and D3 - to help broker and maintain co-operation between operators within their area or part of it. And doing this makes huge sense in areas where the true competition and future market is the private car traveller. True, there can be easy short term business gains for one or other operator on a flow doing so well that they gain a dominant position or monopoly, but in the long term the loss is that of the community of one of the services.
On the Bath to Melksham and Devizes route, First and Faresaver overlap during the day on Monday to Saturday for passengers from Melksham Town and a couple of other places mentioned above. Faresaver serve extra locations during these times - the key one being Devizes. First serve other additional locations - notably the residential areas of Melksham - and also cover most of the extra Faresaver destinations in the evenings and on Sundays. Neither is a complete service for all locations, and it's in the intreest of the communities, public transport, and indeed both companies for both to survive - and indeed both to thrive.
Faresaver and First are very different organisations - a family run business, concentrating on daytime and specific passenger flows such as seniors and some commuter flows, and the subsidiary of a large company that operates across wide parts of the UK and beyond, and in our area provides not only the high peak, specific flow journeys but also journeys which cover the far more general need. Personally, when travelling between Melksham and Bath I find myself almost inevitably using the First Bus; I a not yet old enough to use a senior card so need to use the same company both ways, and the longer day (and Sunday) service from First means my choice is clear most times.
I would strongly support the co-operative implementation of a bus partnership for our area. And indeed I could offer very limited assistance via TransWilts - a Community Interest Public Forum West of England Joint Committee Statements 1 June 2018
Company - to the bus operators and local authoritys. With modest funding sponsorship, TransWilts could take a far more active role in setting up and maintaining such a scheme, including partnership synchronisation and marketing. Single timetable, regular services combed together, interchangeable tickets, joint marketing promotion for the benefit of both. Very happy to talk in more detail at a later date; we do have the background, team, connections, and a track record.
It is possible to travel by train from Melksham to Bath too, but this involves a change and the service is much less frequent. We would not anticipate through services, nor a frequency increase to rival the current bus frequency, in the foreseeable future, and for this journey the train is not a competitor nor will it become one any time soon."
SWTN believe that the bus timetable should be better co-ordinated by BANES/West Wilts Councils, Faresaver and First to provide a regular service frequency between Bath,/Chippenham/Melksham/Devizes instead of buses following each-other and then leaving a large gap in services until the next one.
With regards to the light rail consultation starting in June 2018 we wish to make the following comments :-
Bath - Warmley light rail consultation (Light rail around Bristol and Bath) We want to see the budget for the light rail consultation studies in the Greater Bristol area to be fully protected and support the principles of a light rail route to Bristol Airport as a top priority and later to Bath especially from Lambridge across the City to Newbridge which could then make use of the light rail corridor to Bristol through Bitton, Saltford, Kelston, Warmley to Yate and East Bristol via Mangotsfield, Staple Hill and Fishponds as well as linking into the RUH at Weston, the new Bath Spa Art & Design College at Weston Lock and Park & Ride sites which need to be co-ordinated with the Bristol Mayor's rapid transit project. The two schemes must link to Warmley and Emersons Green. Retention of Avon Valley Railway steam services at weekends. Provision should be made for a continuous cycle/walkway between Bristol and Bath where possible. The implementation of light rail will help bring the City region into line with EU emission and clean air targets together with clean fuel buses and taxi's.
A future extension of the light rail line towards East Bristol would provide economic and employment benefits to those living in the Bristol BS5 area (which still has higher than average levels of employment and social deprivation) by improving access to employment/study opportunities around the North Fringe and the Emersons Green Science Park.
The corridor to Odd Down is welcomed however the majority of the traffic is to the Somer Valley at Peasedown, Radstock and Mid Somer Norton and therefore an extension of a rapid transit system to this area would be beneficial. What evaluation of the Somerset and Dorset railway corridor has been carried out as Norton Radstock is an enterprise zone and needs public transport improvement. A new light rail station at Warmley could be an interchange for buses for the Kingswood area. South West Transport Network would also like the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Board to note the following points concerning the Bristol City Centre Framework consultation :-
1. retain bus lanes in both directions from Temple Meads - Bond Street - City Centre and convert to light rail use. Public Forum West of England Joint Committee Statements 1 June 2018
2. improved bus stops on the Haymarket including bus shelters, borders and castle kerbs.
3. design for light rail use at Haymarket roundabout but no major traffic use due to air quality problems.
4. Get rid of Lawrence Hill and Bearpit roundabouts.
5. Creat a coach station at the bottom of the M32 and a ferry/bus/light rail interchange at the Friary, Temple Meads.
6. upgrade public realm around Castle Park, High Street (including the Rummer pub), demolish derelict Norwich Union building to improve tourism.
7. improve public realm around the coach station and St James Park including disabled access to the coach station.
8. support new hotel by the M32 (Newfoundland Way).
9. improve Lawrence Hill, Montpelier, Clifton Down stations.
10. improve public realm around Temple Meads to retain Grosvenor & George and Railway hotels.
11. more soft landscaping around City Centre, hanging baskets, fountains as you would expect in a European city.
12. the plan is weak on tourism strategy.
13. the city centre should be a hub for bus/light rail/tram-train as part of a future network to feed outwards to Bristol Airport, Severn Beach, Henbury loop, East Bristol towards the new Science Park and a possible Bristol Arena at Temple Meads or Filton.
DAVID REDGEWELL (SWTN)
Friends of Suburban Bristol Railways (FOSBR)
Statement to WECA Committee and WoE Joint Committee Friday 1 June 2018
Preamble: FOSBR welcomes the WECA Business Plan 2018-19 with its inclusion of the rail components of MetroWest, Bristol Temple Meads, Charfield, Yate and Keynsham, and presents the final version of our FOSBR Rail Plan 2018 as our recommendations for the rail component of the WECA Joint Local Transport Plan. We congratulate FirstBus on their recent delivery of the MetroBus service to Emerson’s Green, noting however that the rail network has much better regional coverage and connectivity than the three MetroBus routes under construction, as well as being completely independent of road congestion. We would therefore encourage WECA to persevere with a regional rail plan as this will be a significant contributor to improved air quality across the whole region.
1. Portishead Line - FOSBR regrets that the Portishead Line top-up bid of £48 million was rejected, and encourages both WECA and the West of England Joint Committee to seek other sources of funding. We would also hope that N Somerset would consider again the benefits of joining as a full member of WECA so as to gain full access to the devolution funds. We would point out that Portishead car commuting is contributing to the poor air quality in central Bristol and elsewhere and therefore should be of concern to WECA.
2. Severn Beach Line - We would like to highlight the considerable number of delays and cancellations on the Severn Beach Line since July 2017, and would urge WECA to take an interest in the delivery of the current franchise, in particular communicating with both GWR and Network Rail about the rolling stock and re-signalling issues. For this to be effective, we would urge WECA to take on rail powers and operational oversight of the rail network. This is an urgent issue as ridership is currently falling and will be resulting in increased car commuting with direct impact on air quality.
3. The longer-term proposals in our FOSBR Rail Plan should give a more robust “fix” to the current problems in local rail services – in particular completing the Filton Bank works and remodelling Bristol East Junction. We would ask WECA to consider working up proposals for selective double-tracking of the Severn Beach Line as the single-track sections are highly sensitive to any delays.
4. We continue to ask that the Henbury Loop and the Tytherington Line should be fully exploited so as to provide the West of England with a truly rapid-transit network which is fully independent of road congestion. In particular, a Thornbury Line would considerably reduce traffic on the M32.
5. We note that Bristol Airport wishes to expand, and would ask that any expansion is accompanied with matching public transport provision, starting with a rail-bus link to Nailsea and Backwell station, which has a half-hour train service and regional connectivity to Cardiff, Gloucester and Taunton.
6. Pilning - FOSBR would wish to point out that if Pilning footbridge is delivered (for £2 million) in 2018, a commuter service could be delivered in the December 2018 timetable as one of WECA’s contributions to the current Clean Air proposals and illustrative of the potential for rail as the only long-term solution to both the regional congestion and regional air quality concerns. We attach the submission by SevernNet to the S Glos Local Transport Plan consultation to supplement the Cost- Benefit analysis from UWE.
7. In the mean time, we draw WECA’s attention to the current Clean Air Plan directives from central government following from the Client Earth challenge, and urge WECA to reserve some of its devolution funding to enable a pain-free transition to Clean Air Zones in the three constituent authorities. This would be best in the form of an up-front Mitigation fund to enable financially vulnerable businesses to convert to cleaner vehicles.
Christina Biggs (FOSBR Secretary) FOSBR Rail Plan 2018 – car-free travel from your door
A reliable half-hour train service: • WECA to have rail powers and operational oversight; • Longer trains with more seats and room for cycles; • Rail-bus interchanges at Filton Abbey Wood for Southmead Hospital and Nailsea & Backwell for Bristol Airport, accurate real-time bus information at stations; • Multi-modal smart ticketing , with guards on all trains; • Delivery of MetroWest Phase 1A half-hour train service between Avonmouth and Bath , hourly to Severn Beach; • 30 min service for Patchway, Parson St and Bedminster; • Future 15 or 20 minute frequency. Robust infrastructure to unlock capacity: • Completion of Filton Bank four-tracking; • Bristol East and Westerleigh Junction remodelling; • Replace footbridge at Pilning for Severnside commuters; • Emission-free trains: electrification to Bristol Temple Meads and battery or hydrogen-fuelled local trains; • Extra platforms and bus hub at Temple Meads; • Selective double-tracking of Severn Beach Line. Reopening stations across the network: • Deliver Portishead line with an initial hourly service with planning for half-hour service; • Henbury Spur extension to Henbury Loop; • Welcoming WECA’s proposals for Horfield (at Constable Rd), St Anne’s, Saltford, Ashton Gate & Charfield; • Consideration of further stations at Coalpit Heath, Chittening, Uphill/Locking, Corsham & Long Ashton; • Exploring an extension of Tytherington line to Thornbury.
Pilning Station Footbridge Cost Benefit Analysis
February 2018
Dr David Williams.
About the Author: Dr David Williams is a Research Associate at the University of the West of England. Dr Williams has a background in transport planning and assessment for local authorities in the West of England. This work was conducted in Dr Williams’ own time for FOSBR and the findings are his own work and do not reflect the views of the University of the West of England.
Pilning Station Footbridge Cost Benefit Analysis | 2
CONTENTS
Introduction 3
Feasibility 3
Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) 4
Assumptions 4
Calculation 6
Summary 7
Next Steps 7
Pilning Station Footbridge Cost Benefit Analysis | 3
Introduction
The Friends of Suburban Bristol Railways (FOSBR) have requested that a cost benefit analysis be completed to support their case for the installation of a new footbridge at Pilning station in South Gloucestershire, to the north west of the city of Bristol. The case is being made to the GWR Franchise consultation that closes on 21 February 2018. The original footbridge was removed in 2016 as part of Network Rail’s electrification programme1 and it was deemed not cost effective to replace it due to the low number of passengers using the station, with just 230 people using the station in 2016/172. The low number of passengers, up from 46 in 2015/16, is due to the fact that the station is served by just two trains a week, at 0834 and 1534 on a Saturday. Network Rail has estimated that the installation of an equalities compliant bridge at the station will cost £2 million and FOSBR have requested that the installation of this bridge be included within the next stage of the GWR franchise after 2020.
Feasibility PROPOSED M49 AVONMOUTH JUNCTION4 Since Network Rail’s decision not to replace the footbridge in 2016 there have been several changes to transportation within the Greater Bristol area surrounding Pilning Station. Highways England has announced plans to construct a new junction on the M49 motorway that would provide greater access to the station. This new junction provides Bristol City Council with the opportunity to develop a Park and Rail site at the station, reducing trips into Bristol city centre. This is important as Bristol City Council is currently developing options for installing a Clean Air Zone (CAZ) within the city centre to comply air quality standards3. Developing Park and Rail facilities at Pilning station, through the construction of a pedestrian bridge and surface level car parking would provide a relatively low cost option compared to the construction of a new Park and Ride site served by buses. The new junction is expected to cost between £25m and £50m, but as yet no date has been set for its construction.
The second change to transportation in the Greater Bristol area is the proposed expansion of The Mall at Cribbs Causeway and the associated additional traffic this will have. Pilning railway station is situated 4.8km away from The Mall site. The Transport Review Group for the development’s travel plan have stated to FOSBR that if more frequent services were reintroduced to Pilning Station they would consider running a shuttle bus to/from the station to serve their customers who wished to travel by train, rather than car.
The final change comes from the businesses to the south of Pilning Station based at Severnside. SevernNet, a consortia of businesses on at Severnside, are interested in running shuttle buses for their staff to/from the station providing the services meet fit with current shift patterns. All three of these changes suggest that the re-installation of a footbridge at Pilning station should be considered as part of the next GWR franchise as they would provide benefits for
1 Sims, A. (2016) http://www.gazetteseries.co.uk/news/14587196.Rail_platform_and_footbridge_set_for_closure_in_Pilning/ 2 ORR (2018) http://orr.gov.uk/statistics/published-stats/station-usage-estimates 3 BBC (2017) http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-40865101 4 Highways England (2017) http://roads/highways.gov.uk
Pilning Station Footbridge Cost Benefit Analysis | 4
travel within the Greater Bristol area.
Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) The Department for Transport’s Web-based Transport Analysis Guidance (WebTAG) provides advice on transport modelling and appraisal for highways and public transport interventions. This is based on HM Treasury’s Green Book to explore a wide range of impacts from a transport intervention. Rail interventions are based on the same approach. For the purposes of this analysis three scenarios will be tested to demonstrate the benefits of installing the bridge. This will be based on the Carbon
Dioxide (CO2) and Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) reductions from people travelling by train compared to driving within the Greater Bristol area. It is not possible to capture the wider economic benefits or social benefits of this scheme due to the lack of available data. The analysis is therefore designed to demonstrate the benefits in one area, emissions, with the request that WECA conduct a full CBA as part of the Joint Local Transport Plan for the implementation of the bridge in line with its inclusion in the next GWR franchise period.
Assumptions
As with any model a set of assumptions will be included. These will be outlined below.
The CBA will be based on the assumption that additional train services will be provided to/from Pilning Station by Great Western Railways as part of their next franchise to meet the demands of Severnside businesses and The Mall’s customers. The table below includes the proposed services which would include 10 services a day in each direction. This number of services has been used for the CBA as it would provide services to serve shift patterns at Severnside and the majority of the weekend trips to The Mall.
The second assumption is based on the type of car that will be taken off the road. For this scenario the findings are based on a 1.6ltr Diesel Ford Focus, the most popular car in Britain. The Ford Focus emits 114 grams of CO2 per 5 kilometre and between 0.5 and 0.75 grams of NOx per kilometre6. The cost of these emissions to the environment is approximately £0.05/kilometre7.
The CBA will test the three scenarios.
5 EU (2015) https://www.energy.eu/car-co2-emissions/ford.php 6 Emissions Analytics (2018) http://equaindex.com/equa-air-quality-index/ 7 MyClimate.org (2016) https://co2.myclimate.org/en/portfolios?calculation_id=1045204&localized_currency=GBP
Pilning Station Footbridge Cost Benefit Analysis | 5
Scenario 1 – 10 passengers will use Pilning Station/train
Scenario 2 – 20 passengers will use Pilning station/train
Scenario 3 – 40 passengers will use Pilning Station/train
An assumption has been made that each of these passengers would travel 40km by car if they were not travelling by train.
The trains currently running this line run on diesel and therefore emit CO2 and NOx. These trains will be running on this line whether they stop at Pilning or not. The level of emissions per service is therefore negligible and has been discounted for the purposes of this analysis. Further research would need to incorporate these figures.
APPROX DAY DIRECTION TIME PURPOSE MON-FRI Bristol to Pilning 0530 Serving Businesses at Severnside MON-FRI Bristol to Pilning 0630 Serving Businesses at Severnside MON-FRI Bristol to Pilning 0730 Serving Businesses at Severnside MON-FRI Bristol to Pilning 0750 Serving Businesses at Severnside MON-FRI Bristol to Pilning 0830 Serving Businesses at Severnside MON-FRI Bristol to Pilning 1330 Serving Businesses at Severnside MON-FRI Bristol to Pilning 1430 Serving Businesses at Severnside MON-FRI Bristol to Pilning 1600 Serving Businesses at Severnside MON-FRI Bristol to Pilning 1930 Serving Businesses at Severnside MON-FRI Bristol to Pilning 2030 Serving Businesses at Severnside MON-FRI Newport to Pilning 0530 Serving Businesses at Severnside MON-FRI Newport to Pilning 0630 Serving Businesses at Severnside MON-FRI Newport to Pilning 0730 Serving Businesses at Severnside MON-FRI Newport to Pilning 0750 Serving Businesses at Severnside MON-FRI Newport to Pilning 0830 Serving Businesses at Severnside MON-FRI Newport to Pilning 1330 Serving Businesses at Severnside MON-FRI Newport to Pilning 1430 Serving Businesses at Severnside MON-FRI Newport to Pilning 1600 Serving Businesses at Severnside MON-FRI Newport to Pilning 1930 Serving Businesses at Severnside MON-FRI Newport to Pilning 2030 Serving Businesses at Severnside SAT-SUN Bristol to Pilning 0930 Serving the Mall SAT-SUN Bristol to Pilning 1030 Serving the Mall
Pilning Station Footbridge Cost Benefit Analysis | 6
APPROX DAY DIRECTION TIME PURPOSE SAT-SUN Bristol to Pilning 1130 Serving the Mall SAT-SUN Bristol to Pilning 1230 Serving the Mall SAT-SUN Bristol to Pilning 1330 Serving the Mall SAT-SUN Bristol to Pilning 1430 Serving the Mall SAT-SUN Bristol to Pilning 1530 Serving the Mall SAT-SUN Bristol to Pilning 1630 Serving the Mall SAT-SUN Bristol to Pilning 1730 Serving the Mall SAT-SUN Bristol to Pilning 1830 Serving the Mall SAT-SUN Newport to Pilning 0930 Serving the Mall SAT-SUN Newport to Pilning 1030 Serving the Mall SAT-SUN Newport to Pilning 1130 Serving the Mall SAT-SUN Newport to Pilning 1230 Serving the Mall SAT-SUN Newport to Pilning 1330 Serving the Mall SAT-SUN Newport to Pilning 1430 Serving the Mall SAT-SUN Newport to Pilning 1530 Serving the Mall SAT-SUN Newport to Pilning 1630 Serving the Mall SAT-SUN Newport to Pilning 1730 Serving the Mall SAT-SUN Newport to Pilning 1830 Serving the Mall
Calculation The calculations are based on the use of the station for 363 days of the year, with each person saving 40km of travel by car. The first table shows the financial benefits per day of the three scenarios. With scenario 1 an average of 10 passengers per train there is a £4,000 financial benefit for the local environment due to the emissions saved, with this increasing to £16,000 if there were 40 passengers alighting per train.
NO. TRAIN NO. TOTAL DISTANCE BY CO2 NOX EMISSIONS ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES/ PASSENGERS/ PASSENGER CAR SAVED EMISSIONS SAVED/DAY SAVING/DAY (£) DAY TRAIN S/ DAY (40KM/ SAVED/DAY (0.625G/KM) PASSENGER) (114G/KM)
20 10 200 8,000km 912kg CO2 5kg £4,000
20 20 400 16,000km 1,824kg CO2 10kg £8,000
20 40 800 32,000km 3,648kg CO2 20kg £16,000
For the year the figures demonstrate that for Scenario 1, 10 passengers per train the environmental benefits would be £1.4m per year, with this increasing to £5.8m for Scenario 3, with 40 passengers per train.
Pilning Station Footbridge Cost Benefit Analysis | 7
NO. TRAIN NO. TOTAL DISTANCE BY CO2 NOX EMISSIONS ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES/ PASSENGERS/ PASSENGER CAR SAVED EMISSIONS SAVED/ YEAR SAVING/YEAR (£) YEAR TRAIN S/ YEAR (40KM/ SAVED/ (0.625G/KM) PASSENGER) YEAR (114G/KM) 72,600 2,904,000km 331,056 kg 1,815 kg £1,452,000 7260 10 CO2 7260 20 145,200 5,808,000km 662,112 kg 3,630 kg £2,904,000 CO2 290,400 11,616,000km 1,324,224 7,260 kg £5,808,000 7260 40 kg CO2
Summary
The results show that if GWR were to provide 10 services a day to Pilning station and that if each train had 10 passengers either alight or board the service the environmental savings for the West of England area of installing the footbridge at Pilning at the cost of £2m would be paid back in under 18 months. In the most optimistic scenario (Scenario 3) this would be paid back in just under four months, in terms of environmental benefits for the Greater Bristol area.
The findings do not include any calculations of economic or social benefits of implementing this scheme, that would be added to this equation to demonstrate the full benefits.
This report concludes that providing GWR were prepared to run these services and work together with SevernNet and The
Mall’s transport plan team, it would be possible to provide these services and help reduce emissions CO2 and NOx in the Greater Bristol area. Next Steps The results of this analysis show that the provision of services and a new footbridge at Pilning station have the potential to provide an environmental benefit to the Greater Bristol area in terms of emissions reduction. Therefore this report recommends that the installation of a bridge and the introduction of services be considered for the next GWR franchise period by the Department for Transport.
The installation of the footbridge, additional trains, new junction for the M49 linking to Pilning station and a Park and Rail site to be delivered at the station should also be included for consideration at Pilning as part of the West of England Combined Authority’s Joint Local Transport Plan. Once the scheme is included in both these plans it will be possible to conduct a full cost benefit analysis of the schemes to demonstrate the wider benefits the enhancement of this station can provide to the Greater Bristol area moving forward.
30 th April 2018
Getting people to work across SevernNet area and the critical role of transport infrastructure and services
This document is SevernNet’s submission to the S. Gloucestershire Local Plan Consultation.
SevernNet is an enterprise run by, and for, the businesses and communities in and adjacent to Royal Portbury Dock, Avonmouth, Severnside and Severn Beach/Western Approach industrial areas. Our membership includes the largest employers and SMEs from across the area. These include The Bristol Port Company, Nisbets, GKN Aerospace, Etex Building Performance, Lidl, Warburtons, Avara Pharmaceutical, Amazon, GENeco and Oasis Bridestowe Academy.
The ‘ SevernNet Area’ extends over 10 miles, and includes Royal Portbury Dock and the Avonmouth Severnside Enterprise Area (ASEA). The area is heavily industrialised, supporting over 30,000 jobs with an additional 10,000 expected in the next 5 years.
The area is also very poorly supported by public transport and the Severn Beach Line provides an essential service.
Sustainable transport links are becoming increasingly critical as the number of jobs and vacancies across the area grow, local numbers looking for work decrease (as unemployment shrinks) and the number of job seekers and younger people who have a driving licence and/or have access to a car decrease. Without improvements in the local transport system the forecast economic growth will be unachievable.
Rail and Bus Services An essential element within the MetroWest Phase 1 programme is improvement to the Severn Beach Line . This is a vital link between Bristol and ASEA.
This service has suffered from considerable delays, cancellations and service turn backs over the last nine months. This has had a major impact on businesses and their employees across ASEA.
A reliable and comfortable half hourly service to Avonmouth with an hourly extension to Severn Beach is required as soon as possible. The capacity to transport bicycles is also important. Cycling is an important and growing transport connector in the area to help cover ‘the last mile’ between the train and work/home.
SevernNet and partners have set up, operate and manage a local shuttle bus service on behalf of local employers to link the train service to local businesses. It is essential that we co-operate to ensure these services are linked. This service, the SevernNet Flyer, was established in Jan. 2016 as a grant funded pilot. Its aim was to link the local villages, bus and train commuters with the industrial areas in Avonmouth. Since August 2017 the service has been rebranded as the SevernNet buzz and is employer funded. The utility of this service is negatively impacted by cancelled or late trains arriving at Avonmouth Station damaging the ongoing viability of the SevernNet buzz. It is essential that the reliability of the service is improved and that any changes to the service, including rolling stock, are properly risk assessed and necessary resources put in place to ensure a continuing service.
SevernNet Limited Contact: Kate Royston c/o The Bristol Port Company +44 (0)7969 569444 St. Andrew’s House St. Andrew’s Road [email protected] Avonmouth www.severnnet.org BS11 9DQ Registered with Companies House, number 8319758
The Severn Beach hourly extension is increasingly important as the potential of the area for growth increases. The Avonmouth Severnside Enterprise Area within S. Gloucester, which can be reached by Severn Beach station is anticipated to see an additional 10,000+ jobs in the next 5 years. There are few alternative transport options in the area. New employers moving into the area during 2018 (autumn) include Lidl (500+ staff) and Amazon (3,500 staff).
SevernNet is working with these employers to provide extensions to the SevernNet buzz to provide more links between the train, bus services, residential areas and the Severn Beach area to complement and supplement the train. The co-operation and support of S. Glos. Council and other stakeholders is essential to assist with this.
The MetroWest Phase 1 rail improvements from Portishead to Pill have the potential to ease journeys into the SevernNet Area and are welcomed. They are also important for the local residents. Providing links from Pill into Royal Portbury Dock and across the river will be essential to improve the utility of these services, encourage more train usage and keep cars off the road. Whilst we appreciate hub and spoke service provision into Temple Meads and back out again may seem a good way to schedule, the additional journey time may well be a deterrent for people working in the SevernNet area and travelling from N. Somerset Working closely together on resolving the ‘last mile(s)’ of the journey is essential .
The MetroWest Phase 1 improvements from other areas of North Somerset, in particular Weston , and the Bath side of Bristol linking into the Severn Beach Line to Avonmouth and Severn Beach are also welcomed, together with the planned MetroWest Phase 2 improvements. Local employers are recruiting further afield as numbers in Bristol seeking employment reduce.
We do have a concern with Temple Meads as a potential ‘single point of failure’. Longer term options to connect travellers along the coast between Pill/Portbury and Avonmouth should be considered.
Pilning Station As the northern end of the ASEA expands, consideration should also be given to Pilning as a station to serve an employment area likely to reach 20,000+ in the next 10+ years.
Pilning Station is situated adjacent to Western Approach, Central Park and the Westgate developments and has the potential to bring employees directly from Wales and North Bristol without additional legs into and out of Temple Meads. This would ease recruitment challenges and could reduce the impact of car journeys. Significant numbers of commuters are travelling into Royal Portbury Dock and ASEA from Wales and these are expected to increase.
Major employers in Western Approach Industrial Park and Central Park strongly support the development of Pilning as a commuter station. These include UK Mail, Tesco Stores (Regional Distribution Centre), GKN Aerospace, Lidl, Next and Amazon.
We support the FOSBR Rail Plan 2018 to enable ‘car-free travel from your door’ (see attached).
Cycle and Walking Network Improvements to the local cycle and walking network is also key. SevernNet is in discussion with Sustrans, Bristol City Council, S. Glos. Council and Highways England to establish a SevernNet Area cycle and walking network supported by an easily accessible network map, clear and accurate signage, a network of local cycle and walking champions and related support. An essential element for this to be successful is an agreed and funded framework to ensure cycle and walking infrastructure is well maintained; and investment can be made available for missing or poor quality sections of the network.
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Many people aspire to cycle and/or walk to work either as all, or a part, of their journey. However the high levels of HGV traffic in the area, poor quality of the paths and poor signage is daunting and puts people off. A number of employers actively discourage cycling through safety concerns.
The difficulties of travelling on the train with cycles is also a constraint (for example on busy services where access for a bike is denied). There is a need for innovative approaches such as bike provision at either end of the journey.
Road Network and Transport Planning The limited capacity of the road network continues to be a concern. In particular the congestion which can be caused on the A403 between J18 of the M5 and Severn Beach through road works or other incidents.
The opening of the M49 Junction in early 2020 will make a considerable difference to traffic flows, however congestion is likely to remain a concern and subject to problems which may arise on the Strategic Road Network.
Traffic and transport in the area requires very careful management and good communication.
SevernNet would welcome a Strategic Transport Planning exercise with S. Glos. Council and Bristol City Council to review the carrying capacity of the local network, given the ongoing development, increasing traffic levels, impact of the removal of the Severn Crossing Tolls and the need for contingency planning.
We believe there is a need for a strategic and long term approach to transport and travel across the SevernNet area considering innovative approaches such as the South East Wales and West of England Business (SEWWEB) Rail Link concept (see attached). The aspirations for development and growth across the area require a commensurate investment in appropriate infrastructure to get people and goods into, across and out of the area in order for the growth to be realised and businesses adequately staffed.
See also the SevernNet Area Coastal Community Team Economic Plan which is available at www.severnnet.org and includes a Transport plan. This was developed in late 2015/early 2016 and informed by local stakeholders.
SevernNet Sustainable Transport Forum The SevernNet Sustainable Transport Forum was established in 2011/2012 and enables transport and travel related stakeholders to meet regularly, share progress and discuss the challenges and opportunities. The Forum has led to improvements in understanding between various stakeholders, better communication and has informed improvements to infrastructure schemes.
Kate Royston Executive, SevenNet Tel: 07969 569 444 Email: [email protected]
Page no: 3 Public Forum West of England Joint Committee Statements 1 June 2018
Statement 3
Thomas Gravatt, Portishead Back on Track, North Somerset Liberal Democrats
Statement on Portishead Railway and MetroWest Phase One
Portishead Back on Track is a grassroots campaign that has been created following the recent rejection of the bid for funding for the Portishead railway from the Department of Transport. We have collected over one thousand signatures in support of fully funding the Portishead railway since the bid was rejected.
There is a strong desire for the Portishead Railway to be built and there has been for decades, but people in Portishead are getting fed up of promises being made without progress. People simply do not think the railway project will ever happen.
According to the Treasury, the South West received the second least funding per person for Transport Investment in 2016 at £219 per head. This is considerably less than London where funding was £1869 per head. Given this disparity it is especially important that we get big infrastructure projects into the area. The MetroWest Phase One plans for a rail link from Bristol to Pill and Portishead are an excellent example of the kind of project that the government should be encouraging. It will help to ease congestion between Bristol and North Somerset while also cutting pollution and providing economic benefits. We will be submitting questions asking what plans this authority has to get MetroWest Phase One the funding it needs. In the mean time I urge all members here to treat the Portishead Railway as a priority to achieve all the potential benefits from the project and to restore trust from the people of North Somerset who feel let down by inaction when it comes to the railway.
Page 1 of 18 ITEM 9
MEETING: WEST OF ENGLAND JOINT COMMITTEE
DATE: 27 JULY 2018
REPORT TITLE: LEP ONE FRONT DOOR FUNDING PROGRAMME
AUTHOR: PATRICIA GREER
Purpose of Report
1.1 To consider business cases for the following schemes seeking approval for funding through the Local Growth Fund (LGF):
• Weston-super-Mare Town Centre: Sustainable Travel Improvements • AiM – Artificial Intelligence Laboratory for Manufacturing project • Smart Energy Enterprise Cluster project
1.2 To consider the reallocation of funding for schemes within the LGF and Economic Development Fund programmes to ensure scheme delivery and LGF spend by March 2021.
Background
2.1 A consistent approach has been developed for the identification, development, approval and change management for schemes seeking funding through the LEP Local Growth, Economic Development and Revolving Infrastructure Funds. This involves recommendations being made by an Investment Panel comprising the Chief Executives of the Local Enterprise Partnership and the four local authorities, oversight by the LEP Board and formal decision making by the West of England Joint Committee. For schemes within the Economic Development Fund advice is provided by the four Council S151 officers as part of business case approval decision. The consistent approach seeks to ensure efficiency in scheme business case development and reporting, and the opportunity to blend schemes across different funding streams to support delivery or to ensure grant spend meets allocations.
2.2 It is recognised that transparency, accountability and ensuring value for money must be central to these arrangements, and Government have set out their expectations in this regard in the ‘Local Enterprise Partnership - National Assurance Framework’. The West of England assurance framework sets out the way in which these requirements are met.
2.3 The fully or conditionally approved schemes within the One Front Door programme are summarised in Appendix 1, including their funding allocation.
Local Growth Fund (LGF)
3.1 The total West of England Growth Deal capital funding allocation across rounds 1-3 is £202.1m. The current profile of spend across the schemes within the programme is shown in Figure 1. This shows that the LGF funds allocated to 17/18 total £49.8m, whilst spend incurred totalled £13.5m. Whilst the requirement to spend in year from an accounting perspective has softened, clearly Government’s expectation is that we will deliver our programme in line with allocations and we are regularly monitored on this, including through the annual conversation process.
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Local Growth Fund Schemes 15/16 16/17 17/18 18/19 19/20 20/21 Total LGF Spend £000s Grant Grant Claim Claim for 17/18 Current Current Current Current 16/17 Claim Profile Profile Profile Profile Transport Schemes MetroWest Phase 2 Development Costs 140 351 53 1,046 1,610 - - 3,200 MetroWest Phase 1 Development Costs 3,304 3,291 251 2,001 - - - 8,847 MetroWest Phase 1 Implementation - - - - 42,058 2,494 - 44,552 Sustainable Transport Package 15/16 2,898 ------2,898 Sustainable Transport Package 16/17 - 1,934 71 1,678 42 - - 3,725 Sustainable Transport Package 17/18 - - - 971 2,737 882 - 4,590 Sustainable Transport Package programme - - - - 1,650 1,665 1,631 4,946 Pinch Points - West Wick Rbt and North South Link - 1,783 - - - 1,119 - 2,902 Pinch Points - Aztec West Roundabout - 1,833 268 - - 1,101 - - 1,000 Portway Station - - - - 238 315 - 553 Pinch Points - A4018 Corridor Improvements - - - - - 625 1,000 1,625 Saw Close Public Realm, Bath - 112 - - - - - 112 Weston‐super‐Mare Town Centre - - - - 750 750 - 1,500 A39 Bences Garage Junction Improvement - - - - 700 - - 700 Weston-super-Mare: Walking & Cycling Improvements - - - - 350 900 500 1,750 Transport GD3 Thematic Allocation - - - - 550 1,250 2,000 3,800 FE Skills Capital Schemes Weston College Future Technology Centre 2,743 - - - - - 2,743 Law and Professional Services Academy 5,563 13,829 - - - - - 19,392 Advanced Engineering Centre Extension - 784 949 2,220 50 - - 4,003 B&NES Construction Skills Centre - 1,419 1,313 - - - - 2,732 North Somerset Enterprise Technical College - 2,177 - - - - - 2,177 Increasing the capacity of the BEMA Training Centre - - - 13 62 - - 75 Weston College Construction Skills Centre - - - - 3,271 - - 3,271 Weston College Health and Active Living Skills Centre - - - - 5,359 - - 5,359 South Bristol Construction Centre - - - - 500 2,750 2,750 6,000 Infrastructure Schemes Aerospace Bristol - 1,700 - - - 1,200 - - 500 Superfast Broadband SGC - 714 - 556 40 - - 1,310 Superfast Broadband CDS - - - - 400 - - 400 B&B Cultural Destinations Media Bank - 14 - 87 46 - - 147 Town Square, Weston-super-Mare - 1,227 61 1,554 137 - - 2,979 Bath Quays Bridge - 355 - - 615 - - 970 Cattle Market Road Demolition Works - 278 95 502 - - - 875 Colston Hall Phase 2 Transformation Project - - - 1,000 4,000 - - 5,000 Bath Quays South Phase 1a Enabling Infrastructure - - - 731 422 - - 1,153 Bath Quays North Phase 1b Relocation of Coach Park - - - 93 4 - - 97 Innovation Schemes Bristol Institute of Technology, BRL and UEZ 1,952 2,548 - - - - - 4,500 Bath Innovation - - - - - 8,750 - 8,750 Health Technology Hub - 1,036 103 191 - - - 1,330 FoodWorksSW Innovation Centre - - - - 8,792 3,052 - 11,844 NTProStruct - 2,374 1,484 - - - - 3,858 Composites Bridge Construction - - - 735 3,006 1,309 - 5,050 OPCR - Sensor Factory, CAV & KWMC - - - - 3,596 444 - 4,040 Expansion of OPCR Programme - - - - 1,798 5,049 - 6,847 Engine Shed Phase 2 - - - 1,700 2,300 - 4,000 IAAPS - - - - 10,000 - - 10,000 Bristol VR Lab - - - 160 135 - - 295 Bristol SETsquared Urgent Expansion - - - - 90 - - 90 Quantum Technologies Innovation Centre - - - - 2,300 7,500 5,174 14,974 Grow-On2 Temporary Building - - - - 1,004 - - 1,004 Innovation GD3 Thematic Allocation - - - - - 1,996 2,000 3,996 16,600 37,759 4,648 13,538 95,711 43,150 15,055 226,461 Total Funds Available 16,600 42,407 49,832 81,664 13,575 34,312 202,096 Change from allocation 0 0 -36,294 14,047 29,575 -19,257 24,365 Note: figures exclude proposed LGF- EDF swops being Subject to approval of change request Project complete considered as part of this report. Subject to approval of business case Indicative profile
Figure 1 – Current LGF Spend Profile
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3.2 There is an expectation that all LGF projects are complete by March 2021 (the end of the LGF funding period) and a requirement that all grant funds are spent by this date.
3.3 Whilst there is shortfall in funding forecast to be spent in 17/18, overall the LGF remains overprogrammed by £24.4m. This is based on previous experience of scheme withdrawal and delay but this needs to reduce as the programme moves through to the end of the period of funding. That being said, a number of projects in the programme are either yet to be fully approved or to be specified within programme allocations, Schemes in this position have been asked to accelerate the development of business cases and provide credible delivery plans for spend and completion by March 2021. Further updates will be provided to the Committee.
3.4 One action arising from this review relates to MetroWest Phase 1b (Portishead) which is seeking funding through the Transforming Cities Fund. Given this represents a significant proportion of the LGF funding, and that the completion of this scheme will fall beyond 20/21, it is proposed to derisk grant spend by swopping funding between the LGF and the non-time limited Economic Development Fund. It is considered that only already approved EDF capital schemes are in scope for this process, and on this basis the following changes are proposed:
Proposed Reallocation Revised LGF Current LGF between EDF Allocation £000s and LGF Aztec West Roundabout 1,000 1,101 2,101 Aerospace Bristol 500 1,200 1,700 Bath Quays South Phase 1a Enabling Infrastructure 1,153 5,092 6,245 Bath Quays North Phase 1b Relocation of Coach Park 97 1,712 1,809 West Wick Roundabout & North-South Link 2,902 8,409 11,311 Bromley Heath Viaduct 0 2,800 2,800 Purchase of Land at Bristol & Bath Science Park 0 5,765 5,765
Total 5,652 26,079 31,731
Figure 2 – Proposed Reallocations between EDF and LGF
3.5 It should be noted that the £26.1m is considered the maximum reallocation for MetroWest Phase 1 that can be made based upon the state of development of schemes within the EDF programme. These substitutions are also made on the basis that North Somerset Council will underwrite this EDF funding in accordance with the EDF agreement, and should the Transforming Cities bid not be successful the normal EDF rights of substitution would not apply and these funds would return to the EDF pot. In addition, no Council would be disadvantaged through the swop and any costs of borrowing already incurred or committed would be met by the EDF.
3.6 A report will be provided to the September Joint Committee following the outcome of the Transforming Cities bid which will establish the way forward for MetroWest Phase 1 (a) and (b) and which will reconcile the funding position for the scheme. In the interim a change request has been received seeking £1.7m of additional LGF development funding to cover work progressing the Development Consent Order (DCO) over the period April to September 2019. This includes £160k to examine the feasibility of extending the MetroWest Phase 1 train service beyond Bath to Westbury which would remove the need for a turnback at Bathampton, with potential net capital savings of up to £2m. This change would be
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accommodated from within the £44.55m of LGF funds allocated for the implementation of the scheme.
Full Business Cases
3.7 A Full Business Case (FBC) for the Weston-super-Mare Town Centre: Sustainable Travel Improvements scheme has been submitted seeking to draw on the Sustainable Transport Package programme allocation of £6.7m. The FBC has been published on the LEP website.
• Weston-super-Mare Town Centre: Sustainable Travel Improvements – the project includes a package of three transport elements in Weston-super-Mare town centre:
- South Parade - better pedestrian/cycling provision and public realm, realigning the existing road layout and bus stop improvements. These works link with the wider Town Square (LGF) and Town Centre Transport Enhancement (LGF/DfT’s National Productivity Investment Fund) projects. - Regent Street - providing a wider shared space area and improved urban realm, which together with restricted vehicular movements aims to increase cycle journeys and pedestrian movements, and improve bus journey time reliability. - Uphill Road North shared use route - creation of a shared use path adjacent to the carriageway by widening the highway on this 1.3km section of the Coastal Towns Cycle Route.
This is a £2.225m project with £1.75m sought from the LGF, drawn down between 18/19-20/21. The scheme Assessment Summary Table is shown in Appendix 4.
Recommendation to approve the Full Business Case for the Weston-super-Mare Town Centre: Sustainable Travel Improvements scheme subject to securing planning consent, land acquisition and supply of a detailed cost breakdown.
Outline Business Cases
3.8 To ensure that there is a clear and transparent means for schemes to be considered for entry into the programme, promoters have the opportunity to produce Outline Business Cases (OBCs) for consideration. On this basis an OBC has been submitted for:
• AiM – Artificial Intelligence Laboratory for Manufacturing – the business case has been submitted by the Centre for Modelling and Simulation (CFMS) for a project to establish an accessible computational resource and data set that start-ups can use to develop industry ready AI solutions to enhance manufacturing productivity. The funding would be used to acquire and commission an artificial intelligence laboratory and to build the necessary datasets at CFMS premises at the Bristol & Bath Science Park. The project aims to directly support the creation or expansion of 10 companies, enabling them to offer new, industry validated services to clients, creating 30 new jobs. This is a £575,000 project of which £435,000 of capital is sought from the LGF.
Recommendation that the AiM – Artificial Intelligence Laboratory for Manufacturing project is added to the LGF pipeline should funding become available.
• Smart Energy Enterprise Cluster project – the business case has been submitted by the Bristol based Centre for Sustainable Energy. The proposed project would run for three years and aim to provide direct support to 40 host companies and reach a further 500 to develop knowledge of opportunities in smart energy. Funds would also be used to support the development of smart energy products which would be
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deployed in houses (50) and other buildings (5). The business case indicates that this could generate 100 new jobs in the sector. The project seeks £1.54m (£1.37m revenue and £170,000 capital) for a project to create an Enterprise Cluster around smart energy. Match funding of £1.68m is identified based upon contributions from participants.
Recommendation that on the basis that no revenue funding is available the Smart Energy Enterprise Cluster project cannot be funded.
Changes to Schemes within the Programme
4.1 All requests for change for schemes within the One Front Door programme will be reported to the Joint Committee for decision. A number of change requests have been submitted and those recommended for approval by the Investment Panel across the LGF, EDF and RIF are set out in Appendix 2 and 3. Following the agreement of delegations to approve scheme changes made at the Joint Committee meeting on 1 June, in future only the more significant changes outside of the agreed tolerances will be reported to this Committee.
LEP Assurance Framework
5.1 The LEP Assurance Framework sets out the processes related to One Front Door funding. This has been updated to reflect the delegations to approve scheme changes within defined tolerances agreed at the Joint Committee on 1 June 2018. It has also been subject to minor revisions to reflect the enhanced requirements related to transparency in recent guidance. The updated assurance framework has been approved by the LEP Board and published on the LEP website.
Consultation:
6.1 There has been no consultation in relation to the content of this report.
Other Options Considered:
7.1 Each project is required to undertake an options assessment, and to set out the rationale for the preferred option within the Outline and Full Business Case. Similarly requests for change include a description of other potential options and why the chosen option is proposed.
Risk Management/Assessment:
8.1 Each project in the programme is required to set out their approach to risk management and provide a risk register which is reviewed as part of the business case approval process. Key risks for each scheme are reported as part of the quarterly highlight report. Programme level risks are considered at each meeting of the Investment Panel.
Public Sector Equality Duties:
9.1 For projects seeking funding via the LGF, EDF or RIF scheme promoters are required to include as part of their FBC, an equality and diversity assessment and plan. These assessments are published on the LEP website.
Economic Impact Assessment:
10.1 Supporting economic growth is central to these funding streams, and promoters are required to include an economic case within the FBCs for each scheme which sets out how the project will create jobs and GVA growth as well as delivering wider benefits. In line with agreed
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processes these FBCs are published on the LEP website at the point of decision making
Finance Implications:
11.1 The specific financial implications are set out in the Body of this report.
Advice given by: Tim Richens, Interim Section 151 Officer, WECA
Legal Implications:
12.1 There are no additional legal implications arising from this report.
Advice given by: John McCormack, Monitoring Officer
Land/Property Implications;
13.1 All land and property implications are set out within the specific business cases and dealt with by the scheme promoters.
Advice given by: Tim Richens, Interim Section 151 Officer, WECA
Human Resources Implications:
14.1 There are no direct human resource implications arising from this report.
Recommendations:
The Committee is asked to:
1. Approve the funding reallocations between EDF and LGF set out in Figure 2.
2. Approve the allocation of an additional £1.7m of LGF funding for the development of MetroWest Phase 1 including £160,000 to examine the feasibility to extend the train service beyond Bath to Westbury.
3. Approve the Full Business Case for the Weston-super-Mare Town Centre: Sustainable Travel Improvements scheme subject to securing planning consent, land acquisition and supply of a detailed cost breakdown.
4. Agree that the AiM – Artificial Intelligence Laboratory for Manufacturing project is added to the LGF pipeline should funding become available.
5. Agree that on the basis that no revenue funding is available the Smart Energy Enterprise Cluster project cannot be funded.
6. Approve the change requests for LGF schemes set out in Appendix 2.
7. Approve the change requests for EDF and RIF schemes set out in Appendix 3.
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Appendices
Appendix 1: Summary of Approved Schemes Appendix 2: Local Growth Fund - Requested Scheme Changes Appendix 3: Economic Development Fund and Revolving Infrastructure Fund - Requested Scheme Changes Appendix 4: Weston-super-Mare Town Centre: Sustainable Travel Improvements – Assessment Summary Table
Report Author: Patricia Greer, Chief Executive
West of England Combined Authority Contact: Any person seeking background information relating to this item should seek the assistance of the Contact Officer for the meeting who is Pete Davis and who is available by telephoning Joanna Greenwood on 0117 426210; writing to West of England Combined Authority, 3 Rivergate, Temple Way, Bristol BS1 6ER; email: [email protected]
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Appendix 1
LGF Schemes Complete, Fully Approved or Approved with Conditions
A. Schemes which are complete:
• Future Technology Centre £2.74m LGF – a flagship facility based at the South West Skills Campus in Weston-super-Mare to up-skill learners with ‘work ready’ technology skills focused on the Creative and Digital, Advanced Engineering/Civil Engineering and Automated Manufacturing, and Low Carbon sectors. Summary
• Sustainable Transport Package 15/16 £2.898m LGF - a package of transport measures including new and improved routes and facilities for walking and cycling, public transport improvements such as dedicated bus lanes and priority measures, and other sustainable transport initiatives focused on the Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone and five Enterprise Areas. Summary
• Robotics Laboratory - BRL Institute of Technology and UEZ £4.5m LGF - building on the strengths of the Bristol Robotics Lab, this project will provide essential start-up and grow-on space for technology and knowledge-based businesses in robotics and autonomous systems, bio-sensing and bio-technology, bio-medical and related high tech fields. Summary
• North Somerset Enterprise Technical College £2.177 LGF (plus £1.525m EDF) – the majority of the building works are funded by Weston College and the Education Funding Agency. The EDF funds are for specialist equipment and fit-out required to meet the business/vocational aspirations of the scheme and for construction of the Motor Sports Centre. Summary
• Aerospace Bristol £0.5m LGF (plus £1.2m EDF) – this attraction in the Filton Enterprise Area will showcase the brilliance of Bristol’s innovation, design and engineering and will have international appeal attracting at least 120,000 visitors per year. Summary
• Aztec West Roundabout £1.0m LGF (plus £2m EDF, £1.5m RIF) – widening of the roundabout and provision of associated pedestrian and cycle crossing facilities to provide additional capacity on one of the main routes serving the Cribbs Patchway New Neighbourhood and Filton Enterprise Area. Summary
• Law and Professional Services Academy £19.392m LGF – an inspirational learning centre located in the centre of Weston-super-Mare at the Winter Gardens and Arosfa Hotel which will support employer skills needs within the Law and Professional Services sectors, whilst providing a focus for the regeneration of Weston town centre. Summary
• Bath & North East Somerset Construction Skills Centre £2.731m LGF – a specialist centre which will deliver construction skills training across the full range of construction disciplines and trades, and will support the delivery of the new vision for the Norton Radstock campus which sees the site becoming a specialist skills hub focussed on construction and engineering. Summary
• Advanced Engineering Centre Extension (AECE) £4.003m LGF – an extension to City of Bristol College’s Advanced Engineering Centre at Parkway which will service the growing skills needs of the Advanced Engineering sector through the provision of skills training in areas such as the maintenance and operation of 3D printers, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining and the use of composite materials. Summary
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• Health Technology Hub £1.33m LGF – refurbishment of a 900m2 facility on the University of West of England, Frenchay Campus, to provide a centre for research and innovation for the advancement of Independent Living and Citizen-Centric Health, focussed on business support and business/academic/healthcare interactions. Summary
B. Schemes which are fully approved:
• NTProStruct £3.858m LGF – the purchase of capital equipment at the National Composites Centre (NCC) to develop advanced manufacturing technologies for major components used in aerospace, automotive and other sectors. Summary
• West Wick Roundabout and North South Link £1.783m LGF (plus £8.409m EDF) - a highway link with separate cycle and footpath facilities through Parklands Village which forms part of the J21 EA connecting the A371 at Locking to the West Wick roundabout on the A370. This roundabout is also being improved to increase capacity through re-configuration and partial signalisation. Summary
• MetroWest Phase 1 Development Costs £8.847m LGF – reopening of the Portishead line and additional services on the Severn Beach line and to Bath. FBC for the development phase of the rail scheme through to the start of construction. Summary
• MetroWest Phase 2 Development Costs £3.2m LGF - reopening the Henbury line to passenger services and improved frequencies to Yate including three new stations. FBC for the development phase of the rail scheme through to the start of construction. Summary
• Bristol and Bath Cultural Destinations Media Bank £147k LGF – the creation of a media bank allowing members to deposit and withdraw images, audio and video material and provide much richer content for a wide variety of marketing and promotional purposes and to capitalise on the complementary nature of the tourism and cultural offers. Summary
• Sustainable Transport Package 2016/17 £3.739m LGF - a package of transport measures including new and improved routes and facilities for walking and cycling, public transport improvements such as dedicated bus lanes and priority measures, and other sustainable transport initiatives focused on the Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone and five Enterprise Areas. Summary
• Sustainable Transport Package 2017/18 £4.59m LGF – a package comprising 14 projects to improve walking & cycling links, public transport and public spaces focused on 3 key themes, stimulating growth, connectivity and low carbon. Summary
• Superfast Broadband Extension Programme (South Gloucestershire Council) £1.310m LGF – further extension of the Superfast Broadband network to additional homes and business premises in South Gloucestershire, with Government match funding through Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK). This involves provision of open access ducting to support the roll out of Superfast Broadband across the area. Summary
• Bath Quays Bridge £970k LGF – a new pedestrian and cycle footbridge over River Avon connecting Bath Quays North and South, as well as further enhancing the connectivity of Bath to its river through the Quays Waterside project. Summary
• Cattle Market Road Demolition Works £875k LGF – demolition of the former Post Office Sorting Depot building to clear the site and prepare it for development and increase its market attractiveness. Summary
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• Town Square, Weston-super-Mare £2.478m LGF – to create a public space and provide connections from the seafront to High Street and University Centre campuses. The objective is to improve connectivity both physically and visually and upgrade the quality of the space. Summary
• Saw Close Public Realm, Bath City Centre £112k (plus £963k RIF) - delivering improvements to the public highway and footways of Saw Close and the adjacent area of Upper Borough Walls to complete the Saw Close development public realm works, supporting development for the Enterprise Zone. Summary
• Increasing the capacity of the BEMA Training Centre £75k LGF- the purchase of equipment for an expansion of the British Engineering Manufacturing Association (BEMA) existing Machine Shop, located in Yate, to respond to unmet learner and employer demand for apprenticeship provision. Summary
• Bath Quays Phase 1a (South) £1.153m LGF (plus £5.092m EDF) – to undertake local infrastructure works on the Bath Quays South site, comprising of demolition, remediation, floodwall and embankment works, and incoming services. This is part of a wider programme of works to support the development of the Enterprise Zone. Summary
• Bath Quays Phase 1b (North) £97k LGF (plus £1.712m EDF) - the relocation of an existing coach park, situated in the Bath Quays North development site, to the Odd Down Park & Ride facility. The enabling works will see the Bath Quays North site vacated for development whilst delivering an alternative coach park facility. Summary
• Advanced Composites for Transport Infrastructure – Bridge Construction £5.05m LGF - the application of innovative technology to develop an advanced composite bridge design solution that can be efficiently and economically used in a variety of locations, and to showcase this through the implementation of a pedestrian and cycle crossing of the A4174 Ring Road at Emersons Green. Summary
• Bristol Virtual Reality Lab £295k LGF – establishing a facility to support the development of skills, content and applications in Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality at the Leadworks on Anchor Square, providing workspaces accessible to SMEs and to researchers for R&D. Summary
• Weston-super-Mare Transport Enhancement Scheme £1.5m LGF - upgrading the area to create a quality, inter-connected public space through a package of works including improved pedestrian links and public realm, together with public transport and cycle improvements including the creation of a high quality bus interchange. Summary
• Weston College Health and Active Living Skills Centre £5.359m LGF - a training centre blending skills for health and social care with the wider health prevention and condition management agenda, delivered in one building and benefitting from existing facilities already on-site at University Campus. Summary
• Open Programmable City Region (OPCR) – Bristol Infrastructure, Sensor Factory, CAV Access Network and Knowle West Media Centre Research Projects £4.04m LGF - creation of a R+D testbed and three projects which will utilise the infrastructure in the areas of Connected and Autonomous Vehicle (CAV) R&D, community led high tech co‐creation, design, prototyping and creative digital experimentation.
• Weston College Construction Skills Training Centre £3.271m LGF - the creation of a highly industry-focused Infrastructure Construction Skills Centre to address the shortage of infrastructure construction and civils skills training in the WE LEP area in response to clear employer demand. Summary
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• Bristol SETsquared Urgent Expansion £90k LGF - bringing into use the currently undeveloped attic space of Engine Shed to create a further 15-20 desk spaces to relieve the bottleneck at the front-end of the SETsquared process. Summary
• Colston Hall Phase 2 Transformation Project £5m LGF – a package of works seeking to build an exceptional classical and contemporary music hall, creating world-class spaces for education and enterprise and improve backstage facilities for artists. Summary
• FoodWorksSW Innovation Centre £11.844m LGF – First phase development of an Innovation Centre at J21 Enterprise Area, to offer end-to-end product development and testing service to food and drink producers, including incubation space for start-ups and growing businesses.
C. Schemes approved with conditions:
• Superfast Broadband Extension Programme (Connecting Devon and Somerset element) £400k LGF - Works as part of Connecting Devon and Somerset are being undertaken in the Bath & North East Somerset and North Somerset areas.
• Portway Station £553k LGF - a new un-manned single platform rail station adjacent the existing Portway Park and ride site on the Severn Beach Line providing a direct, rapid and reliable means of accessing employment in the Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone and Avonmouth Enterprise Area as well as improving access to other destinations. Summary
• Institute of Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems (IAAPS) £10m LGF - a new 11,000m2 building on the Bristol & Bath Science Park to Create a centre of excellence for research and innovation into future advanced propulsion systems. Open to universities and businesses it will be a catalyst to develop future generations of ultra-low emission vehicles.
• A39 Bences Garage Junction Improvement Scheme £700k LGF – a project to ease congestion and enhance the functioning of the junction through the addition of an additional lane for vehicles on the southbound approach, building on the recently completed Three Headed Man junction improvement as part of the Sustainable Transport Package 2017/18.
• Grow-On2 Temporary Building £1.004m LGF - the creation of temporary grow on space at the Bristol and Bath Science Park to address the constraint at Grow-On 1 which is operating at capacity. This would provide 535m2 of shared workspace via eighteen customised shipping container workhub units adjacent to the existing building.
EDF Schemes Complete or Fully Approved
A. Schemes which are complete:
• North Somerset Enterprise Technical College £1.525m EDF - see LGF A above.
• Aerospace Bristol £1.2m EDF – see LGF A above.
• Aztec West Roundabout £2.0m EDF - see LGF A above.
B. Schemes which are fully approved:
• Invest in Bristol and Bath £5m EDF – a five year funding package to maintain a strong investment promotion service for the area that creates jobs by attracting new businesses and private sector investment. Summary
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• Avonmouth/Severnside Flood Mitigation and Ecology Development Costs £1.9m EDF – funding associated with undertaking Phase 1 (design and development works) of these complex schemes. Summary
• Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone (TQEZ) Programme Team £2.5m EDF – the creation of a programme team to support the accelerated delivery of TQEZ and to ensure developments are brought forward in a co-ordinated and integrated manner. Summary
• Bromley Heath Viaduct Maintenance and Improvement Programme £2.8m EDF - work for the structural repairs and upgrading for safety, pedestrian and cycling provision on the viaduct on the A4174, with EDF funding to reduce the duration of the works from 52 weeks down to 33 weeks, reducing congestion and diversion impacts. Summary
• Bath Riverside Enterprise Zone Team £685k EDF - the creation of a dedicated team to promote and bring forward strategic employment sites within the EZ. The funding requested covers staffing costs and those for marketing and promotion over a 3 year period. Summary
• West Wick Roundabout and North South Link £8.409m EDF – see LGF B above.
• Bath Quays Phase 1a (South) £5.092m EDF – see LGF B above.
• Bath Quays Phase 1b (North) £1.712m EDF – see LGF B above.
RIF Schemes Fully Approved or Approved with Conditions (via the One Front Door approval process)
A. Schemes which are fully approved:
• Hub Weston (Weston-super-Mare Creative Hub) - £402k RIF to purchase and develop a new Creative Hub building in central Weston. The Hub, to be called The Stable, will offer a range of facilities, services and support to enable entrepreneurs in the digital and creative industries to take the first steps in setting up their own businesses within a collaborative community. Summary
• Somer Valley Enterprise Zone Commercial Delivery Framework - £50k to produce 777a Commercial Delivery Framework which will define the delivery strategy for the Somer Valley Enterprise Zone taking into account market conditions and technical utility and infrastructure issues that will aid in the master-planning and production of design guidance for the site. Summary
• Saw Close Public Realm, Bath City Centre - £963k RIF – see LGF B above.
B. Schemes approved with conditions:
• J21 Northbound Merge Improvement - £450k RIF for a highway improvement scheme to increase capacity on the northbound slip road onto the M5 reducing traffic congestion in the morning peak by increasing the traffic lanes from 1 to 2.
• South Bristol Sustainable Urban Development (SUD) Intermediate Body £48k RIF - revenue to match fund the creation of a Technical Assistance team to support Bristol City Council’s Intermediate Body (IB) role in relation to the SUD plan for South Bristol. This will be match funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
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Appendix 2
Local Growth Fund Change Requests Recommended for Approval
• West Wick Roundabout and North South Link – delays to interim milestones and a 7 month delay to construction completion to April 2020 with reprofiling of expenditure from 17/18 - 18/19 to 19/20 - 20/21. Increase in cost for North South Link element from £9.959m to £12.7m and reallocation of £1,118,885 from OPCR LGF programme allocation, noting the risk that a funding gap remains to be closed through value engineering or alternative funding sources.
• Advanced Composites for Transport - Bridge Construction – reprofiling of £39k from 17/18 to 18/19 and delays to interim milestones and to bridge opening for use of 16 months to December 2020, to allow additional time for design and testing.
• MetroWest Phase 2 Development Costs – reprofiling of £110k from 17/18 to 18/19 to reflect lower than planned Network Rail expenditure and payment of their suppliers.
• Bristol and Bath Cultural Destinations Media Bank - final milestone Proof of Concept Phase delayed by 3 months to September 2018 with £32k underspend in 17/18 reprofiled to 18/19.
• Superfast Broadband Extension Programme (South Gloucestershire Council) – slippage to two milestones related to Phase 2 of the programme, resulting in 3-6 months delay.
• FoodWorksSW Innovation Centre – finalising the cost plan has delayed the issue of the offer letter by 3 months and the anticipated grant claim for 17/18, This requires the reprofiling of £410k from 17/18 to 18/19.
• Sustainable Transport Package 2016/17 – delays to the installation of the UWE Metrobus shelter requires the reprofiling of £42k from 17/18 to 18/19. Overall project costs £14,299 below allocation.
• Sustainable Transport Package 2017/18 - spend reprofiling of £185k from 17/18 to 18/19 as a result of slippage to the Rupert Street Bus Priority, Yate Spur and South Parade schemes.
• Bristol SetSquared Urgent Expansion – failure to secure planning and listed buildings consent. Project scope being reconsidered.
• Weston College Construction Skills Training Centre – 2 month delay to securing planning consent and one month delay to start on site not impacting on project completion. £170k to be reprofiled from 17/18 to 18/19.
• Weston College Health and Active Living Skills Centre – construction start on site delayed by 3 months to May 2018, impacting on completion of fit out and operation both delayed by 2 months. £825k to be reprofiled from 17/18 to 18/19.
• Bath Quays Bridge – delays to the contract award for the superstructure have impacted on completion of enabling works/substructure (15 month delay), superstructure completion (18 months) and bridge operational (12 months to September 2019).
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• Weston-super-Mare Transport Enhancement Scheme – delays to a number of interim milestones and 3 months delay to scheme practical completion (to January 2020).
• Institute of Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems (IAAPS) – delays to establishing IAAPS Advisory Board (25 months to October 2019) and for finalising contracts with co-investors (18 months to October 2019). Reprofiling of £3.3m of spend from 17/18 to 18/19, with an overall cost increase of £663k to be met by the University.
• Aztec West Roundabout – 1 month slippage to remedial works milestone with no overall impact on project timings. Most of the remedial work was completed to schedule however due to adverse weather conditions a small proportion of the works were delayed until April.
• Portway Station – one milestone slippage of four months for the Diversity Impact Assessment work, approval from Network Rail’s Built Environment Accessibility Panel is expected in July 18.
• A4018 Corridor Improvements – two months delay to preliminary design and consultation and two months delay to FBC approval not impacting on completion date.
• Colston Hall Phase 2 Transformation Project – 3 month slippage to main contractor award (now August 2018) as a result of earlier planning permission delays and the bringing forward of the initial enabling works contract so that the main contractors can provide more accurate costings for a fixed price main contract.
• Bristol Virtual Reality Lab – minor underspend in 17/18 of £1,718 to be reprofiled to 18/19.
• Increasing the capacity of the BEMA Training Centre – minor underspend in 17/18 of £335 to be re-profiled to 18/19.
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Appendix 3
Economic Development Fund and Revolving Infrastructure Fund Change Requests Recommended for Approval
Economic Development Fund • MetroBus Extension to Cribbs Causeway – £1.279m of spend reprofiled from 17/18 and £44k from 18/19, back to 19/20 as a result of slower than expected progress in securing third party land.
• Invest in Bristol and Bath – reprofiling of £51k from 17/18 to 18/19, and revised profile to 19/20 (new profile £849k 17/18, £1.1m 18/19 and £1.1m 19/20) as a result of reprogrammed activities.
• Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone Programme Team – lower than planned expenditure on internal staff and consultancy resource and £203k reprofiled from 17/18 to 18/19.
• Bath Quays Phase 1a (South) – main contract award delayed by 13 months to August 2019 and office building and public realm planning consent both delayed by 4 months to April 2020. £199k reprofiled from 17/18 to 18/19.
• Avoncrest and Hutton Moor Phase 1 – reprofiling of £2.2m from 17/18 and £20.8m from 18/19 to 19/20 - 20/21. Milestone dates being reviewed.
• Avonmouth Severnside Ecology & Flood Development Costs – 2 month delay to planning submission (to May 2018) following identification of additional flood risks and three month delay to submission of FBC (to June 18). Minor underspend in 17/18 of £3k reprofiled to 18/19.
• Bath Quays North Phase 1b Relocation of Coach Park – underspend of £19k in 2017/18 reprofiled to 2018/19.
• Bath Quays North and South – 2 month milestone slippage to the outline planning permission decision for Bath Quays North (to July 2018) with no impact on the overall project timescales.
Revolving Infrastructure Fund
• Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone Infrastructure Programme – delays to the completion of the Temple Circus (10 months to June 2019), Harbour Walkway (2 months to March 19), and the River Avon Path and St Phillips Footbridge (both 2 months to January 2019). Reprofiling of £144k from 17/18 to 18/19.
• Saw Close Public Realm – reprofiling of £123k from 17/18 to 18/19 as a result of later than planned installation of street furniture.
• South Bristol Sustainable Urban Development Intermediate Body – 2-4 months delay to a number of interim milestones and 2 months delay to completion (to October 2018).
• Junction 21 Northbound Merge Improvement – note that milestones remain to be confirmed.
• Junction 21 Queensway Improvement – note that milestones remain to be confirmed.
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Appendix 4 - Business Case Assessment Summary Table Recommendation/ Scheme Details Appraisal Summary Conditions The project fits corporate priorities for town centre regeneration and Weston-super- coastal town cycle routes and the priority corridors of the Weston-super- Mare Town Mare Master Plan. Project Centre: Strategic Local Growth Funding Source(s) Name Sustainable Case The project aligns with the objectives of Joint Local Transport Plan and Fund Travel supports the housing growth in Weston identified in the Local Plan and Joint Improvements Spatial Plan.
As presented in the FBC, the scheme will provide open access public Scheme North Somerset Full Business Case State Aid infrastructure when completed. The funding can therefore be issued free of Approval Requested Promoter Council (NSC) Approval Aid.
The project provides a mix of transport based appraisal and wider economic and housing benefits.
Date of The Uphill Road North element has been assessed using DfT’s Active Mode 25/4/18 Submission Appraisal Toolkit and presents a BCR of 3.11 (categorised as ‘high’).
Economic Wider economic impacts of 52 operational stage jobs are identified - 3.3 Case and from the Uphill Road North element (based upon a contribution to the Grant Award £1.75m Value for £1.75m expected impact of the Coastal Towns Cycle Route), and 48.3 from the Money other elements (based upon the contribution to the expected impact from a Funding (Design Fees/ package of Town Centre works). Requested Project and Management This presents a cost per gross job of £42k excluding construction impacts. breakdown £385k, Build This is in line with the cost per gross job for the previously approved £1.264m, Sustainable Transport Packages (£40k - £43k).
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Other Costs £131k, The project will also support the delivery of 156 new homes based upon the Risk/Contingency contribution of this scheme to the delivery of 6,300 planned for the Weston £445k) urban area.
A letter from the NSC S151 officer has been provided which confirms the project represents good value for money.
The scheme is currently only at preliminary design stage and as such costs remain to be fully developed. A risk and contingency allowance of 20% is Total included to reflect this. North Somerset £2.225m Risk Grant Recipient Scheme Cost Council Completion of construction is programmed for the September 2020 giving a 6 month buffer before the end of the LGF funding period.
Planning consent is required for the Uphill Road North element (submitted March 18) and for South Parade linked to the Royal Hotel (submitted July Quarterly in Match 17). arrears on 21% Delivery Payment Basis Funding % defrayed Two parcels of lands are required which it is planned will be delivered by expenditure land swops although acquisition may be required.
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Recommendation to Approval subject Scheme Description Joint Committee to conditions
The business case includes a package of three transport elements in Weston-super-Mare town centre:
• South Parade (£875k) - better pedestrian/cycling provision and public realm, realigning the existing road layout and Securing planning bus stop improvements. These works link with the wider Town Square (LGF) and Town Centre Transport Enhancement consent, land (LGF/NPIF) projects. acquisition and • Regent Street (£750k) - providing a wider shared space area and improved urban realm, which together with restricted Conditions of supply of an vehicular movements aims to increase cycle journeys and pedestrian movements, and improve bus journey time Approval updated design reliability. and cost • Uphill Road North shared use route (£600k) - creation of a shared use path adjacent to the carriageway by widening breakdown. the highway on this 1.3km section of the Coastal Towns Cycle Route.
Record of Approval
WECA S151 Officer Joint Committee Tim Richens Date of Name 27 July 2018 Meeting Date 17 July 2018 Decision Signature
ITEM 10
MEETING: WEST OF ENGLAND JOINT COMMITTEE
DATE: 27th JULY 2018
REPORT TITLE: SUB-NATIONAL TRANSPORT BODIES
AUTHOR: DAVID CARTER, DIRECTOR OF INFRASTRUCTURE
Purpose of Report
1 To seek the views of the Joint Committee and secure their endorsement to engage in discussions regarding the proposals for creation and facilitation of an informal Sub National Transport Body.
2 Issues for Consideration
2.1 The 2008 Local Transport Act created the legal basis for two or more Local Transport Authorities to join up to form a ‘Sub National Transport Body’.
2.1.1 Up until 2015 the benefits of creating or joining an STB were not taken up by Local Transport Authorities as there was no policy or funding drivers to incentivise their creation.
2.1.2 This remained the case in the South West of England until December 2017 when the DfT indicated in a consultation document on the proposed Major Road Network for England ‘The MRN’ a policy preference for the creation of STBs across England to help create and update a regional evidence base to support the prioritisation of MRN funding across regions.
2.1.3 Although not an absolute requirement a clear indication was given in the consultation document that the South West of England, being the only area of England not covered by either a formal, informal or emerging proposal for a STB at the time, should propose regional groupings to the DfT as soon as possible to create the necessary evidence base for geographies greater than the existing individual transport authorities.
2.2 WECA & West of England Transport Authorities have been working informally with transport authorities in the South West of England to look at what regional groupings might look like. The emerging suggestion is for two regional groupings to cover the South West of England, which could be informal STBs.
2.2.1 Officers advise that two regional groupings would likely be supported by DfT and there is a good evidence base to differentiate the need for two groupings in terms of both geographies and strategic economic growth requirements.
2.2.2 Progress to further consider the options to create the regional groupings is being made and will be reported to both WECA and West of England Joint Committees in September. At this stage, it is not envisaged progressing any further than producing proposals for creation and facilitation of an informal STB covering the WECA area, as the creation of a statutory (formal) STB is an expensive and bureaucratic process that would see a loss of sovereignty of all Local Transport Authorities.
ITEM 10
Consultation:
3 N/A
Other Options Considered:
4 The ongoing work is considering the options for the configuration of regional groupings.
Risk Management/Assessment:
5 The main risk associated with this report are the risk to WECA (financial, reputational and operational) in either the participation or non-participation in a regional group which will be considered in the further work
Public Sector Equality Duties:
6 The public sector equality duty created under the Equality Act 2010 means that public authorities must have due regard to the need to: • Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimization and other conduct prohibited by the Act. • Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not. • Foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not.
6.1 The Act explains that having due regard for advancing equality involves: • Removing or minimizing disadvantages suffered by people due to their protected characteristics. • Taking steps to meet the needs of people from protected groups where these are different from the needs of other people. • Encouraging people from protected groups to participate in public life or in other activities where their participation is disproportionately low.
6.2 The general equality duty therefore requires organisations to consider how they could positively contribute to the advancement of equality and good relations. It requires equality considerations to be reflected in the design of policies and the delivery of services, including policies, and for these issues to be kept under review.
6.3 It is not considered that there will be EIA issues arising from this report.
Economic Impact Assessment:
7 None at this point
Finance Implications:
8 None at this point.
Legal Implications:
9 None at this point
Land/Property Implications;
10 None at this point.
Human Resources Implications:
11 None at this point.
ITEM 10
Recommendation:
For the Joint Committee to agree:
12 For officers to continue to evaluate options for the regional groupings and to engage in discussions that frame proposals for the creation and facilitation of an informal Sub National Transport Body to include the WECA area.
Report Author: David Carter, Director of Infrastructure.
West of England Combined Authority Contact: Any person seeking background information relating to this item should seek the assistance of the Contact Officer for the meeting who is David Carter and who is available by telephoning Joanna Greenwood on 0117 426210; writing to West of England Combined Authority, 3 Rivergate, Temple Way, Bristol BS1 6ER; email: [email protected]
ITEM 11
REPORT TO: WEST OF ENGLAND COMBINED AUTHORITY
DATE: 27TH JULY 2018
REPORT TITLE: TO NOTE THE WORK ON THE DEVELOPMENT INDUSTRY PANEL
AUTHOR: DAVID CARTER, DIRECTOR OF INFRASTRUCTURE
1 Purpose of Report
1.1 To seek the views of the Joint Committee and secure their endorsement to establish a Mayoral Development Industry Panel.
2 Issues for Consideration
2.1 The West of England have ambitious plans for sustainable growth and the four Councils have been developing a Joint Spatial Plan (JSP) to ensure a strategic planned and co-ordinated approach to development supported by necessary infrastructure.
2.2 The JSP is an ambitious ground-breaking strategic plan, the first such joint approach in recent times. While completion of the JSP will be a major achievement for our region, reliance on progressing this statutory process alone will not in itself deliver the stepping up in scale, pace and quality place making that is required to deliver and implement the JSP. This will require new ways of working and a strategic approach in how we deliver together with our partners to ensure that delivery happens in line with the JSP’s ambitions for the necessary infrastructure and quality, which is crucial to re-establishing the trust many of our communities feel they have lost from the planning system.
2.3 Intrinsic to the JSP’s success is addressing the strategic issue that enhancements in the quality of development to a standard not experienced before in terms of vision, design and sustainability, which perform within acceptable viability parameters. Secondly, we need to achieve innovation to facilitate smoother and quicker delivery by establishing a process of policy formulation, design codes and community and developer engagement to achieve the creation of viable, healthy and attractive places.
2.4 Engagement with the development industry will ensure an appropriate balance of expertise from landowners and developers, and investors. The West of England will work with the British Property Federation to establish a panel.
2.6 Terms of reference will be explored but could include:
• Provision of commercial expertise and market intelligence to help shape delivery plans to ensure maximum benefits from development. • Advice on how to shape investment propositions to leverage in more private sector investment to ensure plans can be delivered at pace and at scale, whilst ensuring high quality. • Exploring innovative ways to increase delivery in line with the JSP and local plans. • Exploring quality and place-making and feeding into any design review processes.
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• Seeking to include socio-economic outcomes from development in the long term - how can whole life cost considerations be embedded into development and the financial incentives necessary to achieve them. • Consider mechanisms to embed the ideas coming from the panel into voluntarily standards and conduct that compel the development Industry to deliver.
Consultation:
3 This paper has been produced with input from all four local authorities, West of England Combined Authority (WECA).
Other Options Considered:
4 The option to not establish a Development Industry Panel has been considered. However, given that the scale of challenge in delivering the ambitions of the West of England a partnership approach will be required and new ways of working with our partners needs to be established. A panel is an effective way to bring partners together.
Risk Management/Assessment:
5 There are no risks arising directly from this report.
Public Sector Equality Duties:
6 There are no direct equalities implications arising in relation to this report.
Economic Impact Assessment:
7 Economic impacts of the Panel will be considered as part of the work to be undertaken.
Finance Implications:
8 There are no financial implications arsing directly from this report.
Advice given by: Tim Richens, Interim S151 Officer
Legal Implications:
9 There are no additional legal implications arising directly from this report.
Advice given by: John McCormack, Monitoring Officer & Head of Legal, Governance and Democratic Services
Land/Property Implications;
10 There are no direct land/property implications arising directly from this report.
Human Resources Implications:
11 WECA will lead on this work from within existing resources in line with identified priorities in the WECA Business Plan.
Advice given by: Alex Holly, Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development
ITEM 11
Recommendation:
12 The Committee is asked:
To note the work to date to establish a Development Industry Panel.
Report Author: David Carter, Director of Infrastructure
West of England Combined Authority Contact: Any person seeking background information relating to this item should seek the assistance of the Contact Officer for the meeting who is Laura Ambler, and who is available by telephoning Joanna Greenwood on 0117 426210; writing to West of England Combined Authority, 3 Rivergate, Temple Way, Bristol BS1 6ER; email: [email protected]
ITEM 12
REPORT TO: WEST OF ENGLAND JOINT COMMITTEE
DATE: 27TH JULY 2018
REPORT TITLE: PROPOSED WEST OF ENGLAND JOINT ASSETS BOARD / ONE PUBLIC ESTATE
AUTHOR: DAVID CARTER, DIRECTOR OF INFRASTRUCTURE
Purpose of Report
1 The purpose of this paper is twofold:
1.1 To update the Joint Committee members on the current position with the One Public Estate (OPE) and in particular the wave 6 bidding round (OPE6).
1.2 To seek the views of the Joint Committee and secure their endorsement to move forward, at pace, with the shaping of the proposed Joint Assets Board (JAB), as detailed below at section 2.5-2.9.
Issues for Consideration
2 Update on the current position of One Public Estate and the Wave 6 bidding round
2.1 It is a Combined Authority responsibility to deliver the devolution deal and to establish joint assets boards as part of this. Through ongoing conversations with government colleagues, it has been reinforced that there is an expectation that a West of England Joint Assets Board is established. The Devolution Agreement (March 2016) states central government’s commitment to support the operation of a West of England Joint Assets Board, with the aims of:
• Developing a joint programme of public sector asset disposals • Identify barriers and solutions to the delivery of this programme • Enabling housing targets • Unlocking more land for employment use
2.2 All four of the West of England local authorities are now members of the central government One Public Estate Programme (OPE). Bristol (BCC) and North Somerset (NS) gained entry through the wave four bidding round (OPE4 – October 2016), South Gloucestershire (SG) through OPE5 and Bath & North East Somerset (B&NES) through OPE6 (December 2017), via a joint West of England bid from the 4 UAs. Details of the joint bid are appended at Annex 1 to this report.
2.3 There are four primary objectives of the national OPE programme, which is jointly managed by the Local Government Association (LGA) and Cabinet Office:
• Creating economic growth – new homes & jobs • Having more integrated, customer-focused services • Generating capital receipts • Reducing running costs
ITEM 12
2.4 There are existing local OPE governance arrangements in place – i.e. partnership boards. Bristol has the Bristol Property Board, which brings together representatives from across the public and private sector and is chaired by the Deputy Mayor. It was referenced as an example of best practice in an OPE case study.
Proposed West of England Joint Assets Board
2.5 The bid included a proposal to establish the JAB and the award letter welcomed this and recommend that we proceed. Now that the OPE6 bid work is complete the Joint Assets Board (JAB) discussions should recommence at pace.
2.6 The proposal is to create a task and finish group, with representatives from the four LAs and WECA, to develop the thinking on what may be required from a JAB and how it could be shaped and initiated. This group could quickly be morphed into the JAB.
2.7 OPE6 Capacity Funding will be used to support the development of the proposed JAB, so is well placed to coordinate this activity.
2.8 It is suggested that the next stage with the discussion is to clarify the opportunities/benefits that could be derived from a WoE JAB, that couldn’t be achieved by the local OPE governance – i.e. the existing partnership boards. These benefits might include:
i. It would have more senior and wider representation from central government. With a higher profile board, with the potential to deliver higher levels of benefit, it might be possible to secure Director General or Deputy Director General level central government representation (e.g. from DoH). This could positively increase central government’s influence over local partners (e.g. to release land for housing) and the WoE’s influence with central government (e.g. influencing national policy, securing grant funding, etc).
ii. It may provide an opportunity to share property resource (people) and generate efficiencies by doing so. There are degrees to which this could be done. At a fairly modest level, this could simply involve combining existing OPE resource, so that, for example, there is one resource producing the quarterly OPE progress reports, rather than four.
iii. There is currently a fair amount of overlapping and duplicating governance in this area (Property), involving individual local authority OPE partnerships, STP partnerships, etc. Having a JAB would provide an opportunity to rationalise this governance.
iv. There is some potential to share services across the WoE and a JAB could provide accommodation solutions for this – e.g. by identifying co-location opportunities. Much of this potential is in ‘back-office’ services, but some front line services have also been identified – e.g. Waste.
v. Better enable the identification, development and delivery of West of England wide initiatives, such as the Small Sites Programme and potentially, in the future, ideas like a joint Depot Strategy and/or a West of England Asset Management Plan (AMP).
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2.9 Whist the shape and function of the proposed JAB hasn’t yet been fully worked up, there is some emerging thinking on how it could operate, including:
vi. It should meet quarterly. vii. It could link with the existing West of England governance and provide updates to the Joint Committee. viii. The JAB will be kept under review to ensure its effectiveness. ix. WECA will lead and Chair the JAB and will front the relationship with Central Government, on behalf of WoE partners. x. BCC will provide project management from the One Public Estate project manager and coordination to support the JAB.
Consultation:
3 This paper has been produced with input from all four local authorities, West of England Combined Authority (WECA), Cabinet Office and the Local Government Association (LGA). The lead officers from each of these, with the main interest in this subject, have agreed the paper.
4 The JAB proposal was discussed at the Infrastructure Advisory Board on 29th June. Members were in full agreement and highly supportive of this proposed approach.
Other Options Considered:
5 The option to not explore establishing a JAB has been considered. However, given that the devolution agreement with Government outlines support for a JAB and the potential opportunities a JAB could offer this option is not recommended. Options to establish a JAB are set out at 2.8-2.9 of this report.
Risk Management/Assessment:
6 There is a risk that if the West of England do not proceed with a JAB that opportunities to secure and maximise further OPE funding and land opportunities with other public sector partners could be lost.
Public Sector Equality Duties:
7 There are no direct equalities implications arising in relation to this report.
Economic Impact Assessment:
8 Economic impacts of the options for developing a Joint Assets Board will be considered as part of the work to be undertaken.
Finance Implications:
9 The One Public Estate funding (including the Capacity Funding) is paid directly to the relevant unitary authority by Government. This funding would therefore be subject to the financial management and governance processes within that authority.
The WECA will support the Joint Assets Board as set out in this report and this will be done within existing capacity and resources, there are therefore no direct financial implications. This position will be subject to further review in April 2019.
ITEM 12
Advice given by: Tim Richens, Interim S151 Officer
Legal Implications:
10 There are no additional legal implications arising directly from this report.
Advice given by: John McCormack Monitoring Officer & Head of Legal, Governance and Democratic Services
Land/Property Implications;
11 There are no land/ property implications arising directly from this report.
Human Resources Implications:
12 Bristol have secured capacity funding to assist in coordinating this work. The project team to support developing the options have been identified in each UA from within existing resources.
Advice given by: Alex Holly, Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development
Recommendation:
13 The Committee is asked to:
Give their views and endorse to move forward, at pace, with the shaping of the proposed Joint Assets Board (JAB), as detailed at section 2.5-2.9.
Report Author: David Carter, West of England Combined Authority
West of England Combined Authority Contact: Any person seeking background information relating to this item should seek the assistance of the Contact Officer for the meeting who is Mark Halligan, Bristol City Council and who is available by telephoning Joanna Greenwood on 0117 426210; writing to West of England Combined Authority, 3 Rivergate, Temple Way, Bristol BS1 6ER; email: [email protected]
ITEM 12
Annex 1: Background OPE Joint Bid
OPE6 Process and outcome
1. The OPE6 offer was launched on 1 August 2017 with the publication of the OPE6 prospectus.
2. Competition for funding had increased significantly since the earlier waves of OPE bidding. It had been suggested that only very ambitious proposals, which deliver at scale, would be likely to attract funding through OPE6. On the basis of this clear steer the four LAs agreed, at a meeting on 31 August 2017, to develop a combined West of England (WoE) OPE6 bid. WECA, LGA and Cabinet Office were present at this meeting.
3. A number of workshops were held over the 4th and 5th October 2017, to help establish what to include in the bid. The workshops were attended by all four LAs, WoE partners (including Avon & Somerset Police, Avon Fire, Homes England, Government Property Unit), LGA and Cabinet Office.
4. A bid was developed and agreed by all four LAs deciosn making processes, and submitted on 3 November 2017. BCC were the lead organisation and made the formal submission on behalf of the 4 LAs. The principal bid document is embedded below.
West of England OPE6 SADP
5. The revenue element of the funding request (Capacity Funding) consisted of the following: • £250k – Small Sites initiative – to support the release of c80 sites with the potential to deliver over 2,000 new houses across the West of England. • £100k – West of England Joint Assets Board – dedicated resource to help form the proposed Board and take forward the early initiatives that it’s tasked with. • £75k – Pipeline Development – to further develop the ideas considered at the workshops (e.g. depots), so that, for example, they could be included in any subsequent OPE bids. • £250k – Local Projects – B&NES & SG.
6. There was also a capital element to the funding request against a DCLG Land Release Fund. The bid included a £3.8m ask for BCC (5 sites) and £4.9m for SG (10 sites), which in total had the aim to release land for approximately 830 new housing units.
7. The bid was successful. The outcome of the bid and funding allocations were clarified in March 2018, as follows: • OPE6 Capacity Funding (Revenue) – held by BCC o £235k – West of England Small Sites Programme – to fund the development of a delivery strategy o £60k – West of England OPE Programme Manager o £145k – Local Projects (B&NES and SG) • Land Release Fund (Capital) – issued separately to BCC and SG as follows: o £3.81m – BCC o £4.9m - SG
ITEM 12
8. An MoU has been agreed for the OPE6 Capacity Funding (embedded below). It is between BCC and central government, but all four of the S151 Officers formally supported the agreement. The grant has been issued to BCC, who will be monitoring and reporting progress on delivery.
West of England Appendix 1a OPE6 MoU
West of England Small Sites Strategy
9. £235k OPE6 Capacity Funding has been awarded to develop a strategy for delivering this programme. The funding has been issued to BCC who will coordinate this work on behalf of WoE partners, drawing down as necessary on the funding.
10. A number of initial conversations have taken place between the four LAs, who have agreed, in very high-level terms, the steps necessary to work up the strategy, as follows • Data validation • Clarify sites to be added or removed • Establish the possible delivery routes that will form part of the delivery strategy, together with the risks and issues associated with them. The possible routes may include: o Community-led o Self-build o LA housing companies o SMEs o Registered providers o Homes England • Evaluate the sites within the proposed programme and determine the most appropriate delivery route for each. Set out the rationale for the proposed mix of delivery. • Develop a funding strategy • Develop a delivery plan for the programme, including proposed governance arrangements
11. There are quite a number of organisations that will have an interest in this (including WECA). It was therefore agreed that the next step should be to hold an event, involving the wide range of interested parties, to raise awareness of this opportunity, to generate the input necessary to map out the plan in greater detail. A proposal is being worked up for this event.
12. Given that this is a WoE initiative, the initiation and operation of it, may provide an opportunity to test arrangements that may inform how the proposed JAB is shaped and run.
ITEM 13
REPORT TO: WEST OF ENGLAND JOINT COMMITTEE
DATE: 27 July 2018
REPORT TITLE: REVENUE 2018/19 – OUTTURN MONITORING APRIL 2018 TO JUNE 2018
AUTHOR: TIM RICHENS, INTERIM DIRECTOR OF INVESTMENTS & CORPORATE SERVICES
Purpose of Report
1. This report presents the forecast revenue outturn budget monitoring information for the West of England Joint Committee for the financial year 2018/19 based on actual data for the period April 2018 to June 2018. This report covers the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and Invest in Bristol and Bath (IBB) revenue budgets.
2. The report also requests the allocation of LEP funding balances to provide resources to support the Local Industrial Strategy project.
Issues for Consideration
3. The West of England Combined Authority acts as the Accountable Body for a range of funding streams on behalf of the West of England Councils and LEP. The WECA financial regulations require that it regularly reports on the financial monitoring position of these funds.
3.1 Appendix 1 outlines the LEP Budget current forecast revenue position for the 2018/19 financial year based on actual information to the end of June 2018. This shows the current projection is an underspend of £97k. The main points to note are:
3.1.1 Salary costs are estimated to be £31k below budget. This is due to a post vacancy (Economic Development Officer) as well as a reduction in apportioned senior officer secondment costs. In addition, the £66k provision included within the 2018/19 budget as a contribution to meeting any historic pensions deficit costs is no longer required as the actuarial assessment completed in March 2018 revealed there to be no longer any liability.
3.1.2. The initial budget of £62k set aside for Project expenditure has been increased to reflect the drawdown of the earmarked reserves approved by the Joint Committee in April 2018 for the following uses;
Table B – Drawdown of Earmarked Reserves 2018/19
Stepping Up 50 5G Bid 150 Digital Strategy c/fwd 18 218
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3.1.3 In addition, expenditure of £18k is included within the forecast for completion of the work on the Energy Strategy, funded by the carry forward of the remainder of the unspent BEIS Grant from 2017/18.
3.1.4 At this stage, interest returns are forecast in line with the budgeted income of £198k. However, the forecast will be revisited and updated to take account of Local Growth Fund grant expenditure profiles which may result in an increased level of investment returns for the 2018/19 Financial Year.
3.1.5 The LEP Reserve has been updated to reflect the final reconciliation of historic balances held by Bath & NE Somerset under the previous Accountable Body arrangements. As shown in Table A below, current balances after allowing for agreed commitments are £591k.
Table A – LEP Surplus Balances held on behalf of the Unitary Authorities
Transferred from B&NES to WECA LGF Interest (for 2016/17 FY) -191 4UA contributions in previous years (surpluses to 31/3/17) -360 -551
Transfered to LEP Reserve (2017/18 surplus) -40
Total LEP surplus balances -591
3.1.6 It is proposed to allocate up to a total of £364k from these balances to support the Local Industrial Strategy project. This funding (up to £91k per Unitary Authority) will allow for the costs of staff members being seconded from the UAs to provide capacity to undertake the evidence gathering and policy development work to support the strategy and ensure that the it has broad support across the region.
3.2 Appendix 2 outlines IBB’s current forecast revenue position for the 2018/19 financial year based on actual information to the end of June 2018. This shows the current forecast position is a breakeven position. The main points to note are:
3.2.1 The WECA has been operating as the Accountable Body for the IBB inward investment team since staff transferred from Bristol City Council in May 2017. BCC remains named within the Grant Offer Letter and Memorandum of Understanding for the five-year funding term as the lead body. A ‘side letter’ agreement will be put in place to regularise the position of WECA acting as lead and accessing EDF on behalf of the partners.
3.2.2 Staff Costs are forecast to be £39k less than budgeted. This is due to a post vacancy before recruitment of an Inward Investment Officer as well as for a Marketing Officer position, where it is intended to provide cover via consultancy as required. In addition, a £20k provision which ITEM 13
was built into the 2018/19 budget to meet any historic pensions deficit is no longer required.
3.2.3 Sector Specialist costs have been incurred via external consultancy, rather than direct employment, and are expected to be £18k underspent due to the recent re-appointment of the Hi-Tech specialist.
3.2.4 Funding for this activity is secured by way of an annual grant (for five years from 2015/16 to 2019/20) from the Economic Development Fund and underwritten by the four West of England Councils. Sponsorship income is also received, for example, for representation at trade conferences. Management will continue to operate activity to balance the budget within available grant resources over the current five-year term of funding and subject to appropriate Budget approvals.
3.2.5 Marketing expenses are forecast at £439k for the Financial Year. This includes £145k on attendance at trade conferences. The budget also now reflects the Farnborough and South West Aerospace activities, which weren’t included in the 2018/19 budget, but are fully covered by sponsorship income and contributions. The remaining variance reflects the consultancy cover for the marketing post (£30k) and maintenance of historic levels of marketing activity through application of underspends on staffing and sector specialists while drawing down half (£105k) of the cumulative EDF underspend available (leaving up to £105k for 2019/20).
Consultation:
4. Consultation has been carried out with the Chief Executives, S151 Officer and Monitoring Officer.
Other Options Considered:
5. None.
Risk Management/Assessment:
6. The West of England Office agreement underpins the LEP; a Memorandum of Understanding between the four West of England UAs underpins the IBB service. These agreements deal with the risk sharing mechanisms between the four West of England councils. For all other WoE budgets administered by the WECA, it acts as “agent” with a straight pass through of funding and related costs.
Public Sector Equality Duties:
7. There are no specific public sector equalities issues arising from this report although budget managers are remined to consider how they could positively contribute to the advancement of equality and good relations. This requires equality considerations to be reflected in the design of policies and the delivery of services, including policies, and for these issues to be kept under review.
Economic Impact Assessment:
8. There are no Economic Impacts arising as a result of this report.
ITEM 13
Finance Implications:
9. The financial implications are contained within the body of the report.
Legal Implications:
10. This report monitors how the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), and Invest in Bristol and Bath (IBB) revenue budgets are performing against the financial targets set in Feb 2018 through the Budget setting process.
Environmental Implications:
11. There are no environmental implications arising as a result of this report.
Land/Property Implications;
12. There are no land/property implications arising as a result of this report.
Human Resources Implications:
13. There are no human resources implications arising as a result of this report.
Recommendation:
14. The Joint Committee agrees:
14.1. The LEP Budget Outturn forecast as set out in Appendix 1 is noted.
14.2 A one-off allocation of up to £364k from accumulated LEP surpluses for the costs of UA staff being seconded to provide capacity to support the development of the Local Industrial Strategy.
14.3 The IBB Budget Outturn as set out in Appendix 2 is noted recognising the use of prior year underspends in EDF Grant drawdown to balance the outturn position.
Appendices & Background Papers:
Appendix 1: Revenue position LEP Appendix 2: Revenue position IBB
Report Author: Tim Richens, Interim Director of Investment and Corporate Services
West of England Combined Authority Contact: Any person seeking background information relating to this item should seek the assistance of the Contact Officer for the meeting who is Tim Richens and who is available by telephoning Joanna Greenwood on 0117 426210; writing to West of England Combined Authority, 3 Rivergate, Temple Way, Bristol BS1 6ER; email: [email protected]
ITEM 13
APPENDIX 1
LEP April to June 2018/19 £000s Budget Forecast Variance EXPENDITURE
Staff 871 840 31
Additional Pensions costs 66 0 66
Supplies & Services Support Services 95 95 0 Property costs 102 102 0 Project spend 279 297 -18
Total Supplies & Services 476 494 -18
Total Expenditure 1,413 1,334 79
INCOME
UA Grants 440 440 0 DCLG Core Grant 250 250 0 Capacity Grant Funding 250 250 0 Skills Grants 75 75 0 Energy Grant 0 18 18 Interest received 198 198 0 LEP Reserve 200 200 0
Total Income 1,413 1,431 18
NET TOTAL - Under /(Over) Spent 0 97 97 ITEM 13
APPENDIX 2
ITEM 13
IBB April to June 2018/19 £000s Budget Forecast Variance EXPENDITURE
Staff 516 477 39
Additional Pensions costs 20 0 20
Supplies & Services Support Services 67 67 0 Property costs 85 85 0 Sector Specialists 200 182 18 Marketing Expenses 112 439 -327
Total Supplies & Services 464 773 -309
Total Expenditure 1,000 1,250 -250
INCOME
Economic Development Fund Grant 1,000 1,105 105 Grant Income 0 0 0 Sponsorship Income 0 117 117 Contributions 0 20 20 Internal Recharges 0 8 8
Total Income 1,000 1,250 250
NET TOTAL - Under /(Over) Spent 0 0 0