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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
Resolved: to exclude the public for the following items of business on the grounds that there would be disclosure to them of exempt information under category 3 of The Local Authorities (Access to Information) (Variation) (Wales) Order 2007) The Transport Sub Committee is being requested to advise the CJC on the development and delivery of the Regional Transport Plan as required by the regulations and subsequent guidance set by Welsh Government. Since the last CJC Committee on the 9th May 2023 there was a Regional Transport Planning Sub-committee meeting on the 16th May 2024 when the required RTP Case for Change was approved under CJC delegated direction and sent to the Welsh Government. No formal response has been received regarding this document and as such we can only continue with our RTP delivery programme and assume they have no issues which our approach the details provided. This morning the CJC Regional Transport Planning Sub Committee, considered the following documents - Outline draft Regional Transport Plan (for referral to Welsh Government) Stakeholder Workshops Draft Integrated Well Being Assessment Strategic Environmental Assessment Stages A Mid Wales Corporate Joint Committee Integrated Impact Assessment A verbal update will be provided regarding the discussions and decisions that have taken place on the morning of the 30th July 20024 by the CJC Regional Transport Planning Sub Committee. The next steps are to await the programmed time of four weeks for the Welsh Government to respond on the outline draft RTP and then to prepare the final draft RTP document for the 8 weeks public consultation due to start from the 9th September 2024. To continue work on the environmental reports Strategic Environmental Assessment and Habitats Assessment to inform the Integrated Well Being Assessment. To bring a draft Monitoring and Evaluation plan for consideration Decisions Sought: a) To note the content of the report and tasks undertaken to deliver the development of a Regional Transport Plan for the Mid Wales CJC. b) To Approve the decision of the CJC Regional Transport Planning Subcommittee to send outline draft RTP to Welsh Government for comment ahead of formal public consultation. RECOMMENDATION The Leaders discussed the work of the Sub Committee and agreed to note the content of the report and appendices and confirm their decision to forward the outline draft RTP to the Welsh Government for comment.
The Chair welcomed everyone to the Mid Wales Corporate Joint Committee Formal and AGM Meeting.
Report on the Appointment of Chair and Vice Chair 2024/25 of the Mid Wales Corporate Joint Committee presented by the Monitoring Officer/Nicola Williams. RECOMMENDATION That members of the Mid Wales Corporate Joint Committee appoint the Leader of Ceredigion County Council as the Chair of the Mid Wales CJC and the Leader of Powys County Council as Vice Chair until the next Annual General Meeting in July 2025. County Councillor James Gibson-Watt proposed that County Councillor Bryan Davies become Chair of the Mid Wales Corporate Joint Committee and this was seconded by County Councillor Gareth Ratcliffe. Proposal carried unanimously by the County Councillors. County Councillor Gareth Ratcliffe proposed that County Councillor James Gibson-Watt become Vice-Chair of the Mid Wales Corporate Joint Committee and this was seconded by County Councillor Bryan Davies. Proposal carried unanimously by the County Councillors.
Apologies received and noted - Powys County Council Diane Reynolds, Director of Economic Development and Growth Ceredigion County Council Carwyn Jones-Evans, Corporate Manager: Strategic Economy Investment/Strategic Lead – Growing Mid Wales (CJ-E) County Councillor Keith Henson (who would have been present for the CJC RTP Report)
Councillors must say when they have a personal link to something being discussed, such as a job, a property or a family member. A prejudicial interest is one strong enough that the councillor usually leaves the room and takes no part.
Declarations are read from the minutes once they are published.
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There were no declarations of interest to declare relating to matters to be considered on the agenda.
The Chair proposed that the following minutes are approved and agreed as a true record – Minutes of the last Mid Wales CJC & AGM Meeting on 31st July 2023 Minutes of the last meeting on Mid Wales CJC Meeting on 9th May 2024 County Councillor James Gibson-Watt proposed that the minutes of the Mid Wales CJC & AGM Meeting held on 31st July 2023 be signed as a true record and seconded by County Councillor Gareth Ratcliffe. County Councillor James Gibson-Watt proposed that the minutes of the Mid Wales CJC Meeting held on 9th May 2024 be signed as a true record and seconded by County Councillor Gareth Ratcliffe. ACTION outstanding from 9th May 2024 – Ann Elias to advise date of meeting between the Chair and Vice Chair of the Mid Wales CJC and Ken Skates, Minister – AE advised that a meeting was arranged but cancelled due to the UK Government Elections and has not subsequently been rearranged. ACTION – Agenda item for next CJC Meeting - The Chair suggested waiting for the new Cabinet to be in place and contact the Transport and the Economy Minister and feedback at the next CJC Meeting.
Report on the Appointment of the CEO and Deputy CEO of the Mid Wales Corporate Joint Committee presented by the Monitoring Officer/Nicola Williams. RECOMMENDATION 1. That members of the Mid Wales Corporate Joint Committee appoint the Chief Executive Officer of Powys County Council to the role of Chief Executive of the Mid Wales CJC for the period 30th July 2024 until the next Annual General Meeting of the CJC in July 2025. 2. That members of the Mid Wales Corporate Joint Committee appoint the Chief Executive Officer of Ceredigion County Council to the role of Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Mid Wales Corporate Joint Committee until the next Annual General Meeting in July 2025. County Councillor Gareth Ratcliffe raised capacity issues/support provided to the Mid Wales Corporate Joint Committee/Chief Executive and undertaking all its responsibilities due to continuing pressures on Local Government. Chief Executive (EP) advised the Corporate Joint Committee (CJC) is resourced/supported as best as possible with the current funding available. However, on a national level, conversations with Civil Servants and former Ministers stressed the need for greater support from the Welsh Government for the CJC. Further requested a proportionate approach from Commissioners noting that the Mid Wales CJC is different to others on the basis that there are two Local Authorities unlike other CJC’s e.g. Southeast Wales with up to ten Local Authorities. Barry Rees (BR) commented on behalf of Eifion Evans that going down a different path, e.g. as in another CJC area, electing a separate CEO for the CJC is not the path that we would wish to take. The present model of electing a CJC CEO alternating between the Authorities is the best model for the Mid Wales CJC now. County Councillor Gareth Ratcliffe was content with confirmation that capacity is responsibly covered and can be reviewed as we move forward. Chief Executive (EP) reiterated that although not content it is a requirement to undertake this role and that we should seek additional support from the Welsh Government as it is a separate entity to CEO substantive functions. PROPOSAL Correspondence to Welsh Government around the funding to the CJC and the impact of capacity on Chief Executive Officers. ACTION The Chair suggested that once the new First Minister and Cabinet are in place that we write requesting additional funding and resource for the CJC as a separate entity. The new First Minister/Cabinet will be in place at the beginning of August 2024 and correspondence to be sent from the Chair and Vice Chair/Leaders from Powys and Ceredigion Local Authorities. RECOMMENDATIONS 1. County Councillor James Gibson-Watt proposed that Emma Palmer become CEO of the Mid Wales CJC and this was seconded by County Councillor Gareth Ratcliffe. Proposal carried unanimously by the County Councillors. 2. County Councillor Gareth Ratcliffe proposed that Eifion Evans become the Deputy CEO of the Mid Wales CJC and this was seconded by County Councillor James Gibson-Watt. Proposal carried unanimously by the County Councillors.
Decision as recorded
Resolved: to exclude the public for the following items of business on the grounds that there would be disclosure to them of exempt information under category 3 of The Local Authorities (Access to Information) (Variation) (Wales) Order 2007) The Transport Sub Committee is being requested to advise the CJC on the development and delivery of the Regional Transport Plan as required by the regulations and subsequent guidance set by Welsh Government. Since the last CJC Committee on the 9th May 2023 there was a Regional Transport Planning Sub-committee meeting on the 16th May 2024 when the required RTP Case for Change was approved under CJC delegated direction and sent to the Welsh Government. No formal response has been received regarding this document and as such we can only continue with our RTP delivery programme and assume they have no issues which our approach the details provided. This morning the CJC Regional Transport Planning Sub Committee, considered the following documents - Outline draft Regional Transport Plan (for referral to Welsh Government) Stakeholder Workshops Draft Integrated Well Being Assessment Strategic Environmental Assessment Stages A Mid Wales Corporate Joint Committee Integrated Impact Assessment A verbal update will be provided regarding the discussions and decisions that have taken place on the morning of the 30th July 20024 by the CJC Regional Transport Planning Sub Committee. The next steps are to await the programmed time of four weeks for the Welsh Government to respond on the outline draft RTP and then to prepare the final draft RTP document for the 8 weeks public consultation due to start from the 9th September 2024. To continue work on the environmental reports Strategic Environmental Assessment and Habitats Assessment to inform the Integrated Well Being Assessment. To bring a draft Monitoring and Evaluation plan for consideration Decisions Sought: a) To note the content of the report and tasks undertaken to deliver the development of a Regional Transport Plan for the Mid Wales CJC. b) To Approve the decision of the CJC Regional Transport Planning Subcommittee to send outline draft RTP to Welsh Government for comment ahead of formal public consultation. RECOMMENDATION The Leaders discussed the work of the Sub Committee and agreed to note the content of the report and appendices and confirm their decision to forward the outline draft RTP to the Welsh Government for comment.
Resolved: to exclude the public for the following items of business on the grounds that there would be disclosure to them of exempt information under category 3 of The Local Authorities (Access to Information) (Variation) (Wales) Order 2007) The Transport Sub Committee is being requested to advise the CJC on the development and delivery of the Regional Transport Plan as required by the regulations and subsequent guidance set by Welsh Government. Since the last CJC Committee on the 9th May 2023 there was a Regional Transport Planning Sub-committee meeting on the 16th May 2024 when the required RTP Case for Change was approved under CJC delegated direction and sent to the Welsh Government. No formal response has been received regarding this document and as such we can only continue with our RTP delivery programme and assume they have no issues which our approach the details provided. This morning the CJC Regional Transport Planning Sub Committee, considered the following documents - Outline draft Regional Transport Plan (for referral to Welsh Government) Stakeholder Workshops Draft Integrated Well Being Assessment Strategic Environmental Assessment Stages A Mid Wales Corporate Joint Committee Integrated Impact Assessment A verbal update will be provided regarding the discussions and decisions that have taken place on the morning of the 30th July 20024 by the CJC Regional Transport Planning Sub Committee. The next steps are to await the programmed time of four weeks for the Welsh Government to respond on the outline draft RTP and then to prepare the final draft RTP document for the 8 weeks public consultation due to start from the 9th September 2024. To continue work on the environmental reports Strategic Environmental Assessment and Habitats Assessment to inform the Integrated Well Being Assessment. To bring a draft Monitoring and Evaluation plan for consideration Decisions Sought: a) To note the content of the report and tasks undertaken to deliver the development of a Regional Transport Plan for the Mid Wales CJC. b) To Approve the decision of the CJC Regional Transport Planning Subcommittee to send outline draft RTP to Welsh Government for comment ahead of formal public consultation. RECOMMENDATION The Leaders discussed the work of the Sub Committee and agreed to note the content of the report and appendices and confirm their decision to forward the outline draft RTP to the Welsh Government for comment.
To receive the report on the Establishment of the Economic Wellbeing Sub Committee from the Monitoring Officer. The Monitoring Officer outlined to Members the proposal for the establishment of the Economic Wellbeing Sub Committee. DECISIONS SOUGHT 16.1 To recommend to both Ceredigion County Council and Powys County Council that : (a) they accept a recommendation from the CJC that both Councils jointly accept the delegation of the CJC’s Economic well-being function the exercise of which to be sub-delegated to the Mid Wales Growth Deal Board, being a joint Committee established by both Councils to be responsible for the implementation and overall delivery of the Mid Wales Growth Deal Page 30 5 (“Growth Deal”) and the delivery of any projects undertaken pursuant to the Growth Deal. 16.2 Subject to approval of both Councils for the recommendation as set out in 1 above, to amend the Constitution of the CJC as set out in paragraph 4.1 of this report. 16.3 The amendment to the Constitution as set out in 2 above shall take effect only after both Ceredigion County Council and Powys County Council have agreed to accept responsibility for the delivery of the CJC’s Economic wellbeing function to be exercised by the Mid Wales Growth Deal Board. AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION 4.1 To allow the Mid Wales Growth Deal Board to undertake the Economic Well-being functions of the CJC, the Section 5.11 of the CJC constitution will need amending so that from the date of implementation of the amendment the Constitution will be amended as follows: - 4.1.1 Sections 5.11 and 5.12 will be deleted and replaced with the following : 5.11 The CJC delegates all its Economic Well-being functions under section 71 of the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 and regulation 11 of the Mid Wales Corporate Joint Committee Regulations 2021 jointly to Ceredigion County Council and Powys County Council provided that both Councils subdelegate the exercise of those functions to their Joint Committee known as the Mid Wales Growth Deal Board on the terms of reference set out in in Appendix 1 to this report. 4.1.2 Appendix A of Section 5 of the Constitution will be deleted and replaced with a new Appendix A as set out in Appendix 1 to this report. The Chair queried the next step and the Monitoring Officer confirmed it goes to the Cabinet of both Powys and Ceredigion County Councils. The Growing Mid Wales Board will be approached as a matter of courtesy of the CJC’s recommendation. County Councillor Gareth Ratcliffe is supportive of this recommendation but nevertheless offered support should it be required. The Monitoring Officer acknowledged this and any requests for support from BBNPA would come directly from the Growing Mid Wales Board. The Chief Executive (EP) agreed and that this would avoid duplication apart from the point above re the BBNPA, it would be the same people around the table. It is most beneficial to use the mechanisms that already exist and am fully supportive of the proposal. County Councillor James Gibson-Watts proposed that the three above amendments are accepted and this was seconded by County Councillor Gareth Ratcliffe. Proposal carried unanimously by the County Councillors.
To note the Outturn position for 2023/24 and the update on the Budget for 2024/25. Outturn 2023/24 The expenditure for 2023/24 is detailed on Appendix A. The Section 151 Officer took Members through the Outturn report for 2023/24 and the proposed budget for 2024/25. Budget 2024/25 RECOMMENDATIONS 10.1 It is recommended that Ceredigion and Powys Council MWCJC Members note / approve the following: (a)To note the Outturn for the General Budget for the MWCJC for 2023/24 as outlined in Appendix A. (b)To approve the transfer of £66,485 from the General Earmarked Reserve to part fund the Regional Transport Plan work in 2024/25 as outlined in Appendix B. 10.2 It is recommended that all MWCJC Members note the following: (a)To note the Outturn for the Strategic Planning Budget for the MWCJC for 2023/24 as outlined in Appendix A. (b) To note the Outturn for the Regional Transport Plan Grant for 2023/24 as outlined in Appendix A which has funded costs in relation to the Strategic Transport Plan and Strategic Planning. County Councillor James Gibson-Watt proposes to accept 10.1 a) and seconded by County Councillor Bryan Davies. County Councillor James Gibson-Watt proposes to accept 10.1 b) and seconded by County Councillor Bryan Davies. 10.2 a) and b) County Councillor Gareth Ratcliffe noted and seconded by County Councillors Bryan Davies and James Gibson-Watt.
CJC Letter to and response from Cabinet Secretary for Housing, Local Government, and Planning - Julie James MS presented by Eifion Evans. Ø Letter sent to Julie James MS on 20th June 2024 from the Leaders of Powys and Ceredigion County Councils respectively, requesting that Commissioners are to apply a level of proportionality to the CJC’s across Wales in terms of the compliance with the various Acts. Ø Response received on 9th July 2024 from Julie James MS acknowledging this and her intention to meet with relevant Commissioners to discuss how they could take a proportionate approach whilst still ensuring that governance arrangements are meaningful and ensure accountability in the way CJC’s operate. With the UK Government Elections having taken place and a new Minister being in place early August, we will have to write again to the new Minister in this respect. ACTION – To contact the new Cabinet Secretary for Housing, Local Government and Planning when they are in post early August 2024 and to reiterate these letters and whether they will be acknowledged and conducted. This action can be undertaken before the next Mid Wales CJC Meeting and feedback therein.
Tuesday, 17th September 2024 Tuesday, 17th December 2024