LIVERPOOL CITY REGION COMBINED AUTHORITY
PUBLICATION: 15 SEPTEMBER 2017
DEADLINE FOR CALL-IN: 25 SEPTEMBER 2017
FOLLOWING THE CALL-IN PERIOD, DECISIONS INCLUDED IN THESE MINUTES MAY THEN BE IMPLEMENTED WHERE THEY HAVE NOT BEEN SUBJECT TO A CALL-IN.
* DENOTES KEY DECISION
At a meeting of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority held in the Authority Chamber - No. 1 Mann Island, Liverpool, L3 1BP on Friday, 15th September, 2017 the following Members were
P r e s e n t:
Metro Mayor S Rotheram Chairperson of the Combined Authority (in the Chair)
Councillor P Davies, Councillor B Grunewald, Councillor R Polhill, Deputy Mayor A O'Byrne (Substitute for Mayor J Anderson OBE), Councillor M Murphy (Substitute for Councillor A Moorhead), Councillor T O'Neill (Associate Member), Councillor F McKenna (Substitute for Councillor I Moran), Jane Kennedy (Co-opted Member - Criminal Justice) and Councillor L Robinson (Co-opted Member - Transport).
Mayoral Advisors in attendance Janet Beer (Higher Education) Reverend Canon Dr E Loudon (Voluntary and Community Sector)
66. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Mayor J Anderson (OBE), Councillor A Moorhead, Councillor I Maher, Mr A Hamid MBE, Councillor I Moran (Associate Member), Luciana Berger MP (Mayoral Advisor – Mental Health), Kate Farrell (Mayoral Advisor – Homelessness), Sara Wilde-McKeown (Visitor Economy), Gideon Ben-Tovim OBE (Mayoral Advisor – Natural Environment) and Barbara Spicer (Mayoral Advisor – Social Housing Growth).
67. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
It was reported that no declarations of interest had been received.
68. MINUTES OF THE COMBINED AUTHORITY MEETING HELD ON 18 AUGUST 2017
RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority held on 18 August 2017 be approved as a correct record.
69. LIVERPOOL CITY REGION COMBINED AUTHORITY FINAL ACCOUNTS 2016-17
The LCR Combined Authority considered the report of the Treasurer which set out the results of KPMG’s audit of the LCR Combined Authority accounts for 2016-17.
Members attention was drawn to paragraph 3.3 of the report now submitted which referenced that the LCR Audit Committee would have considered the Statement of Accounts at their meeting on 8 September 2017. Unfortunately, due to technical reasons this meeting did not take place and the LCR Combined Authority were required to consider and approve the accounts directly.
It was reported that the draft accounts for the LCR Combined Authority for 2016/17 and the draft ISA 260 had been considered by KPMG who had issued an unqualified audit opinion and confirmed that they provided a true Value For Money. A small number of presentational changes where required to be undertaken which included the following:-
There had been significant change to the governance arrangements within the LCR Combined Authority and as a result there was scope to improve the codification of arrangements, however, this did not impact on the Value For Money rating.
Minor improvements were required to the reconciliation and impairment process, however, the Auditor was satisfied that processes were being implemented to address this.
In conclusion, the Auditor reported that progress was being made on the previous year’s recommendations with all being either implemented or superseded.
A Member sought confirmation regarding the submission of the final document for Value For Money. The Auditor confirmed that the final submission from the LCR Combined Authority had been received and they had issued a clean Value For Money conclusion.
A Member referred to Appendix One of the report now submitted and sought an explanation of the steps being undertaken to address the low and medium priorities identified. The LCR Combined Authority was informed that an internal review of bank reconciliations was to be undertaken to establish the different levels of reviewing reconciliations. The impairment review would commence at the beginning of the new calendar year and all Heads of Service would be engaged in the process.
Metro Mayor S Rotheram welcomed the unqualified opinion and acknowledged that as the LCR Combined Authority sought to improve their financial monitoring processes the issues identified within the Auditors report would be addressed.
RESOLVED – That:-
(i) the final accounts of the Authority attached at Appendix one to the report now submitted be noted; and
(ii) the final accounts of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority as attached at Appendix Two of the report now submitted be approved. 70. LIVERPOOL CITY REGION METRO MAYOR ANNOUNCEMENTS AND UPDATES
Metro Mayor S Rotheram reported that he had participated in the Northern Transport Summit in Leeds which had been convened to bring together business and political Leaders to agree a unified case to secure national rail and infrastructure investment. The summit had emphasised the case to secure unequivocal commitment to Crossrail for the North and a more equitable approach to future investment.
The Metro Mayor announced that he had appointed Lynn Collins from the North West Trade Union Congress (TUC) as Chair of the Fairness and Social Justice Advisory Board. He reflected on Lynn’s talent and commitment to ensuring that fairness and social justice remained core priorities and guiding principles for the City Region.
He further reported that he had held a number of regular meetings with the City Region’s MPs to discuss a number of issues of mutual concern, which primarily related to infrastructure investment and the Government’s commitment to the Northern Powerhouse. He also highlighted that he had met with the Chancellor of the Exchequer along with the Greater Manchester Metro Mayor, Andy Burnham. They discussed the case for Crossrail for the North and sought reassurances regarding the future of the Northern Powerhouse agenda. The Metro Mayor also highlighted that he had taken the opportunity to lobby for greater control of the under-allocated Apprenticeship Levy and for government assistance for those affected by the New Ferry explosion.
The Metro Mayor referenced his recent visit to Sensor City and the Materials Innovation Factory which were high technology and digital facilities based within the City Region. He highlighted how the centres were cutting-edge collaborations between industry and the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University.
Metro Mayor Rotherman informed the LCR Combined Authority of his recent visit to Wirral, where he had visited Cammell Lairds and also looked at the planned development across the Wirral.
With regards to the Single Investment Fund (SIF) the Metro Mayor reported that the Outline Business Case appraisal process had been concluded for 8 projects and they included:-
Shakespeare Rail Interchange; Shakespeare North Playhouse; Access to Halsnead Garden Village; Parkside Link Road; Maritime Knowledge Hub; Sci-Tech Darebury Skills Factory; Liverpool Aviation Academy; and Wirral Waters Skills Factory.
The Metro Mayor reflected on the announcement at the last meeting of the LCR Combined Authority at which he had praised Everton Football Club for their commitment to the Living Wage. He highlighted that he had since met with representatives from Liverpool FC who had agreed to look at their policy and see what the opportunities for future accreditation where.
In conclusion, the Metro Mayor referenced that along with Councillor Andy Moorhead he had the opportunity to address the national conference of Public Health England. At the conference they had been able to showcase some of the innovative health agendas taking place across the City Region. He also highlighted that some of the benefits and opportunities presented by devolution to promote further innovation and cross-boundary collaboration were shared at the conference.
71. MERSEY GATEWAY
David Parr, Chief Executive of Halton Borough Council, provided a presentation to the LCR Combined Authority which examined the development of the Mersey Gateway and in particular set out the following:-
Provided an overview of the project, which outlined how the Mersey Gateway would be a six lane toll bridge which aimed to relieve the congestion on the Silver Jubilee Bridge and would be open in Autumn 2017.
Explained how the Mersey Gateway would deliver high value for money and was of strategic importance for Halton and the City Region.
Examined the benefits the Mersey Gateway would bring to Halton through improvements to public transport, walking and cycling facilities.
Summarised the employment and skills opportunities the construction of the Mersey Gateway had provided, which included over 500 construction jobs and new apprenticeship opportunities along with the potential to support the growth of over 4,500 jobs and building relationships with local schools and colleges.
Highlighted how the construction of the Mersey Gateway would support regeneration and investment through improved access to sub regional sites such as 3MG, Sci Tech Daresbury and significant investment to the north west regional economy of £129 million.
Explained how the Time Bank initiative had been established by Merseylink to provide professional advice and support to schools, colleges, charities and community groups.
Summarised how the bridge tolls would be collected through the introduction of Merseyflow, which would be used on both the Mersey Gateway and the Silver Jubilee Bridge, which used an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and RFID sticker technology to identify all vehicles. The Merseyflow also provided opportunities to register in advance for payment and access different discount packages for all circumstances.
In conclusion, explained that the Mersey Gateway was due to open in Autumn 2017 at which time the Silver Jubilee Bridge would close for refurbishment and would reopen in Spring/Summer 2018.
On behalf of the LCR Combined Authority, the Metro Mayor congratulated David Parr, Councillor R Polhill (Leader of Halton Borough Council) and the significant number of officers and construction workers who had ensured the successful completion of the Mersey Gateway.
RESOLVED – That the presentation be noted.
72. LIVERPOOL CITY REGION LOCAL JOURNEYS STRATEGY (*KEY DECISION)
The LCR Combined Authority considered a report of the Lead Officer: Transport which sought the endorsement of the LCR Local Journeys Strategy. The Strategy contained a number of actions which sought to promote walking, cycling and improved access to public transport across the City Region.
It was reported that the Transport Advisory Group had been consulted extensively on the Strategy and had identified a preferred approach of ensuring the Strategy linked into the LCR Growth Strategy “Building our Future” to demonstrate how the contribution of sustainable local journeys can support growth and the local economy. Furthermore, the Strategy would provide a joined up approach to shorter trips, by integrating sustainable travel and behaviour change activity with other modes of transport and approach this from the traveller’s perspective.
Councillor L Robinson, Portfolio Holder for Transport, welcomed the Strategy and reported that the Transport Committee had considered and endorsed the Strategy.
Jane Kennedy, Portfolio Holder for Criminal Justice, welcomed the Strategy and in doing so highlighted a number of significant challenges in encouraging people to cycle, particularly when cycling routes were sporadic across the City Region. She sought clarity on whether the Transport Advisory Group had considered these challenges and suggested that all schools and colleges across the City Region be asked what prevents pupils from cycling and walking and suggest how this could be improved.
RESOLVED – That:-
(i) the LCR Local Journeys Strategy as set out at Appendix A to the report now submitted be endorsed; and
(ii) determine why pupils from schools and colleges from across the City Region don’t participate in cycling and walking activities and seek their views on how this could be improved.
73. MERSEYRAIL UPDATE
The LCR Combined Authority received a presentation from Frank Rogers, Interim Head of Paid Service, which provided an update on rail activity across the City Region. Accordingly, the presentation set out the following:-
Summarised the long term rail strategy and reported that it was currently being reviewed and would be presented to a future meeting;
Explained the £340million rail investment across the City Region, which included a major upgrade to Lime Street Station, creation of a new station at Maghull North and significant improvements to facilities at Newton-le- Willows train station.
Summarised how the Halton Curve would provide cross border connectivity between the City Region and North Wales, along with access to Liverpool John Lennon Airport.
Explained the role of the ‘Northern Powerhouse’ and how it aimed to secure increased investment to the north of the country and was fully supported by the Metro Mayor.
Highlighted how the freight sector in the City Region would receive total investment within the region of £700million, through increased port capacity.
Outlined the case for High Speed Rail, of which the City Region was a strong advocate. In particular highlighting the support for the Transport for the North proposals for a west-east rail line which connected to other City Regions and the planned HS2 network.
Explained the network development from 2020 through to 2033 which would see upgrades to key routes across the north network and how this would improve connectivity and create increased freight capacity on the network.
Highlighted the progress of the Walrus Smart Ticketing Platform, in particular how rail ticket would also be moving towards the Walrus platform.
Summarised the background to Merseyrail’s Rolling Stock Programme which would see the introduction of Drive Controlled Operation (DCO) trains bringing a 50% increase in passenger capacity and a design which was safe and secure for passengers being introduced in 2020.
Explained some of the key components of the rolling stock programme which included the modernisation of the Birkenhead North depot and the construction of a new depot at Kirkdale. The maintenance of the fleet would be transferred to Stadler until 2020/1 and approximately 150 Merseyrail employees had been successfully transferred to Stadler under TUPE arrangements.
Set out the commercial and budget issues relating to the rolling stock programme, particularly highlighting that the £460million budget covered all of the physical works and the organisational changes required to successfully deliver the fleet into operation.
Provided an update on the industrial action to which the RMT are in dispute with Merseyrail over the conversation to DCO trains. To date there had been eight days of strike action on the Merseyrail network.
At the conclusion of the presentation, Members raised the following questions and comments:-
Councillor B Grunewald highlighted that the justification for adopting Driver Controlled Operation was explained in December 2016. Clarity was sought on whether anything had changed since and was this still the correct decision? Furthermore, the RMT had stated that the introduction of Driver Controlled Operation (DCO) on Merseyrail, whilst complying with the recommendations of the report into the fatal accident at James Street was “completely at odds with the requirements of basic railway safety”. Clarity was sought on this statement.
Frank Rogers, Interim Head of Paid Service, confirmed that the decision taken in December 2016 remained the correct decision and the rationale behind the decision remained valid. The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) had confirmed that DCO was a safe method and had published guidelines which had been aligned with the new fleet. With regards to the Rail Safety Standards Board (RSSB) it was reported that since the decision had been made in December 2016 the RSSB had also concluded that DCO was safer and also highlighted the need for a platform interface to reduce the gap between the train and the platform edge. Accordingly as part of the introduction of the DCO fleet the platforms would be modified and would be the most accessible across the network. Furthermore, in identifying the preferred bidder for the new fleet, the tender documents had included the RIAB report to which all bidders had identified DCO trains as those which would support the recommendations from this report.
Deputy Mayor A O’Byrne, wished to place on record her thanks to Councillor Pam Thomas, Liverpool City Council, who had been instrumental in championing the need for an accessible rail service. Furthermore, she sought clarity on the differences between Merseytravel and Merseyrail as they were often perceived to be one body and this caused confusion amongst residents.
Frank Rogers, Interim Head of Paid Service, reported that in 2002 Meresytravel secured the responsibility for being the franchise body and Merseyrail operated the service on behalf of Merseytravel. Deputy Mayor A O’Byrne enquired about the recent meetings between the Metro Mayor and representatives of the RMT and in particular wanting to understand the concerns of the RMT.
Frank Rogers, Interim Head of Paid Service, informed the LCR Combined Authority that RMT’s concerns related to the driver control and dispatch and were linked into the RAIB report. He reported that this was the right solution for Merseyrail given the nature of the network which was very different to the Manchester Metro and Glasgow network. Furthermore, the RMT had implemented a national approach to the use of DCO trains and had suggested that a second safety critical person be deployed on every train with the guard situated at the rear of the train. However, the business case did not allow for this and with the introduction of the new fleet there would be a greater presence of staff within the train saloons rather than being permanently situated in the rear cabin with little opportunity to move throughout the saloon.
Deputy Mayor A O’Byrne referred to one of RMT’s claims that Merseyrail was putting profit before safety.
Frank Rogers, Interim Head of Paid Service, reported that he had spoken with Merseyrail regarding this claim and he informed Members that the cost of employing a second person on the train would only be secure up until 2028 and there would be no funding available beyond this date.
With regards to suggestions that there would be job losses on the trains and at train stations with the introduction of the new fleet, Deputy Mayor A O’Byrne sought clarity on this.
Frank Rogers, Interim Head of Paid Service, advised Members that the train stations across the network where not the same as those on other networks, as every Merseyrail station was staffed from the first through to the last train. Furthermore, the LCR Combined Authority had previously guaranteed the employment of all guards and no-one would be forced to leave and would retain their current terms and conditions for the life time they were employed at Merseyrail.
Metro Mayor S Rotheram also reported that he had met with the RMT on a number of occasions and no real progress had been achieved.
Councillor P Davies referenced the suggestion from the RMT regarding the second safety critical person and sought clarity on whether they had made suggestions on how this position could be funded.
Frank Rogers, Interim Head of Paid Service, reported that the current business case did not allow for the employment of a second safety critical person. He summarised a number of proposals suggested by RMT which included increasing fares, however it was felt that this would damage patronage and was not a realistic option. The RMT had also suggested that staffing at rail stations was reduced, however it was deemed that this would not deliver the necessary funding to support the second safety critical person..
RESOLVED – That the presentation and comments raised be noted.
74. HOUSEHOLD INTO WORK PROGRAMME (*KEY DECISION)
The LCR Combined Authority considered a report of the Lead Officer: Skills and Apprenticeships which sought approval to accept funding from Central Government for an innovative employment programme to support people into work.
It was reported that the Household into Work Programme would focus on households where more than one adult was unemployed and in receipt of benefit, rather than more traditional employment programmes that target individuals for support. The programme will test a new way of working that will see eligible households provided with tailored support and assigned an Employment Advocate for up to 12 months. It was envisaged that the programme would support a minimum of 800 households and 1,600 individuals across the City Region. The primary measure of success for the programme would relate to employment, with 630 participants expected to secure and sustain employment.
Deputy Mayor A O’Byrne reflected upon the closure of a number of Job Centres across the region and how Liverpool City Council had sought to support the Government in identifying alternative accommodation in Liverpool, however this offer had been declined. There was real concern that the promotion of encouraging claimants to utilise online systems would exclude the elderly and those who were not comfortable in using information technology.
RESOLVED – That:-
(i) the approval of the Household into Work Programme Business Case by Government be welcomed;
(ii) the grant offer of £3.45m from Government towards the Households into Work Programme in principle be accepted and delegated authority be granted to the Treasurer to agree the detailed grant offer:
(iii) allocate £1m of LCR Combined Authority funding to support the Households into Work Programme as set out in section 5.1 of the report be agreed; and
(iv) authority be delegated to the Lead Officer: Skills and Apprenticeships in consultation with the Portfolio Lead: Skills and Apprenticeships and the Combined Authority Treasurer to agree the operational model for the Programme.
75. LIVERPOOL CITY REGION EMPLOYER SKILLS SURVEY
The LCR Combined Authority received a presentation from Sue Jarvis, Lead Officer – Scrutiny, which set out the following initial findings from the LCR Employer Skills Survey:-
Set out the Labour market context for the City Region which highlighted that highly skilled jobs had become increasingly available over the past 10 years.
Summarised the context for the survey, which was the largest and most comprehensive sub-regional skills survey undertaken to date which included key questions on local economic growth.
Highlighted that the interim findings required further analysis but would form part of the underpinning evidence base to inform the devolution of the Adult Education Budget.
Summarised the key emerging messages from the Employer Skills Survey which highlighted that two thirds of employers surveyed had recruited in the past 12 months, the City Region had 41% hard to fill vacancies and that the general view of employers was of a low wage economy where employers were choosing not to increase wage rates to improve retention.
Highlighted how Health and Social Work was the largest single employment sector in the City Region and that the Information Technology sector had the highest levels of technical skills gap.
Outlined the next steps, which included the establishment of focus groups and business panel and undertake a detailed analysis of the data and qualitative feedback, including sectoral and geographic analysis and the findings would inform the Skills Investment Statement and long term Skills Strategy.
Councillor F McKenna, West Lancashire Borough Council Associate representative, referred to the Employer Skills Survey and highlighted a number of key weaknesses facing the City Region, in particular the need to challenge local businesses to broaden their customer base by exporting their goods and services further afield. Furthermore, there was evidence that some companies within the digital sector where considering relocating from the City Region. In conclusion, it was suggested that the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) should be engaged in the Employer Skills Survey to support the assistance provided to businesses and also share the outcome of the Employer Skills Survey at the IFB 2018.
The Metro Mayor reported that the comments raised by Councillor McKenna were pertinent to all the portfolio holders across the Combined Authority. With regards to IFB 2018 it was suggested that a presentation on how the IFB was funded be brought to a future meeting.
Mark Basnett, LCR Local Enterprise Partnership, in responding to the issues raised highlighted acknowledged that greater ambition was required across the City Region particularly around exporting. Furthermore, businesses need the right product and service to export and it was important that larger companies who were successful at exporting shared their knowledge with smaller companies who had the desire to export. Furthermore, the development of the Internationalisation Strategy would identify areas to export too.
RESOLVED – That the presentation and comments raised be noted.
76. LIVERPOOL CITY REGION SINGLE INVESTMENT FUND - FEASIBILITY FUNDING DECISIONS
The LCR Combined Authority considered the report of the Interim Head of Paid Service which sought approval for the following two feasibility funding requests in respect of:-
Future proofing J23 of the M6 motorway – a request from St Helens Council for £247,500 of funding; and
Development of the Liverpool City Region Internationalisation Strategy – a request from the LEP for £100,000 of funding
It was reported that both projects had been independently appraised and assessed against the SIF’s core eligibility criteria and scored against the agreed prioritisation criteria.
RESOLVED – That:-
(i) the feasibility funding request from St Helens Council as set out in section 3.2.1 of this report be approved;
(ii) the feasibility funding request from the Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) as set out in section 3.2.2 of this report be approved; and
(iii) the Combined Authority Monitoring Officer be authorised to finalise and conclude the respective grant funding agreements in relation to these two projects.
77. PORTFOLIO UPDATE FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND CULTURE
Councillor P Davies, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Culture, provided the Combined Authority with a presentation which set out the work achieved to date in his portfolio. The presentation highlighted the following:-
Summarised the key portfolio responsibilities and the 7 key growth sectors across the City Region.
Outlined how through investment, strategic sites and infrastructure, Single Investment Fund, the LCR Industrial Strategy and Cultural activity key activities had been identified which would bring about growth across the City Region.
Summarised future actions for the economic development and culture portfolio over the coming 6-12 months.
Metro Mayor Rotheram reported that the Chair of the Tidal Barrage Board would be announced in the coming weeks which would support the work of this portfolio. Furthermore, one of the key highlights for the City Region in 2018 would be the arrival of China’s Terracotta Warriors.
RESOLVED – That the presentation be noted.
78. PORTFOLIO UPDATE FOR SPATIAL PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND AIR QUALITY
On behalf of Councillor B Grunewald, Portfolio Holder for Spatial Planning, Environment and Air Quality, Mike Palin, Lead Officer – Planning provided a presentation which explained the progress in delivering the Spatial Framework.
The presentation provided an overview of the Spatial Framework and the three key statutory process steps which included the completion of the non-statutory strategic spatial priorities overview, the completion of the Statement of Cooperating on Strategic Planning and the ongoing work to develop a Standard Evidence Base.
The presentation also summarised some of the key Brownfield considerations, which highlighted that as part of the Devolution Deal there was a requirement for a Liverpool City Region Brownfield register to be published and available by January 2018. The purpose of the register would be to list all brownfield sites that could be used for housing or employment development.
RESOLVED – That the presentation be noted.
79. DEVELOPING THE LIVERPOOL CITY REGION ENERGY STRATEGY
The LCR Combined Authority considered a report which set out how the Local Enterprise Partnership had been allocated funding by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to develop a Liverpool City Region Energy Strategy. The report highlighted that a requirement of the funding was for the Combined Authority to act as the accountable body for the Government funding.
Members were informed that the BEIS would provide all English LEPs with £400,000 to develop an energy strategy for their respective areas. The LEP had already published a report ‘LEPs and Local Energy’ which would form the starting point for developing a Liverpool City Region Energy Strategy.
RESOLVED – That:-
(i) the BEIS had awarded £400,000 to the LEP to lead and coordinate the delivery of an Energy Strategy for the Liverpool City Region, working with the relevant Portfolio Lead and Lead Officer;
(ii) the LCR Combined Authority acts as the accountable body and pass the funding through to the Local Enterprise Partnership to project manage the delivery of the Strategy; and
(iii) the Energy Strategy had to be completed before 31 March 2018 and would be presented to the Combined Authority for approval.
80. THE ARMED FORCES COMMUNITY COVENANT FOR THE LIVERPOOL CITY REGION
The LCR Combined Authority considered the report of the Interim Head of Paid Service which sought endorsement on how the Armed Forces Community Covenant (AFCC) would be implemented at a Liverpool City Region level, in particular to complement the work already being undertaken as a local authority level.
Metro Mayor Rotheram reflected on the sacrifice and commitment Armed Forces personal gave to their country and through the endorsement of the Armed Forces Community Covenant this commitment was reinforced. Furthermore, he reported that a Mayoral Champion for Armed Forces would be appointed who would produce an annual report setting out the progress which had been achieved in respect of the Covenant.
RESOLVED – That:-
(i) the Liverpool City Region (LCR) version of the Armed Forces Community Covenant that appears at Appendix 1 to the report now submitted, including the measures listed at section 4 be noted; and
(ii) the LCR Combined Authority be represented on the Liverpool City Region Armed Forces Community Contract Leads Group.
81. MONITORING AND EVALUATING THE DEVOLUTION DEAL
The LCR Combined Authority considered the report of the Interim Head of Paid Service which provided an update on the development of the Monitoring and Evaluation Plan which had been developed to assess the impact of the delivery of the Devolution Deal across the City Region.
It was reported that as part of the Devolution Deal the LCR Combined Authority the Monitoring and Evaluation plan also had to be submitted to Central Government by 22 September 2017. Furthermore, as part of this submission there was a requirement to identify projects which could be evaluated independently through Government appointed consultants. These projects where identified at Appendix Three to the report now submitted.
Deputy Mayor A O’Byrne referenced the projects identified at Appendix Three to the report now submitted. She highlighted that the number of projects were weighted towards the City Centre and suggested that projects such as Chancery Gate and the Wirral Waters scheme be included instead to provide a broader picture of the projects planned for across the City Region.
Sue Jarvis, Scrutiny Officer, reported that the list of proposed projects identified at Appendix Three could be amended to reflect the suggestions highlighted by Deputy Mayor A O’Byrne.
RESOLVED – That:-
(i) the final draft of the Combined Authority’s Devolution Deal Monitoring and Evaluation Framework as set out within Appendix Two to this report be noted;
(ii) delegated authority be granted to the Interim Head of Paid Service in conjunction with the Metro Mayor to finalise the Framework following feedback from Government;
(iii) the requirement for specific Monitoring and Evaluation Plan for those projects that would be funded from the Gainshare component of the Single Investment Fund be noted;
(iv) the proposed list of candidate projects for Gainshare evaluation by the independent consultants as set out in Appendix Three of the report now submitted, be agreed without prejudice to upcoming future investment decisions;
(v) the importance of effective, routine monitoring and evaluation as a core component of an effective performance management regime be noted; and
(vi) welcome the opportunity for updates to be provided to meetings of the LCR Combined Authority.
82. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
The Metro Mayor reported that no public questions had been received.
83. PETITIONS AND STATEMENTS
Members of the public were given the opportunity to submit petitions or ask statements in accordance with the Meetings Standing Order No. 11.
The Metro Mayor reported that one statement had been received from the Women’s Leadership Group. In this respect, Fiona Gibbs-Armstrong, directed the following statement to the LCR Combined Authority:-
‘The Women’s Leadership Group (WLG) are a collective of over 70 women from the Liverpool City Region (LCR) who have come together to tackle the lack of diversity in the LCR power and decision making structures.
We are making this statement to the LCR cabinet to request a formal response to a letter sent on 10th September to each Council leader and published as an open letter. The letter requests that Council Leaders ‘Give up your seat’ and nominate a female deputy to attend 50% LCR Cabinet meetings. Cllr Barrie Grunewald is the only leader who has provided us with a swift response - NO.
The precedent to nominate a deputy in your place has been established by Mayor Joe Anderson OBE and in Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has insisted his Cabinet is 50% women and reflects the region’s diversity.
We wrote to Mayor Steve Rotheram on 3rd August to request that he modernise the constitution when he has the opportunity to do so in January 2018 and take an inclusive approach to committee membership, one that truly reflects the city region and its diversity. Another request was to develop open-recruitment process for LCR committees that would role model leadership behaviour than can be used as an example to other organisations and sectors.
We have received both local and increasingly national press coverage for our request to council leaders.’
The Metro Mayor reported that a full written response would be provided within 10 working days.
84. MINUTES OF THE TRANSPORT COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON 27 JULY 2017
RESOLVED – That the minutes of the Transport Committee held on 27 July 2017 were received and confirmed by the LCR Combined Authority.
Minutes 66 to 84 be received as a correct record on the 20 day of October 2017.
Chairperson of the Combined Authority
(The meeting closed at 3.11 pm)