Issue - meetings

The Panel will receive a presentation on this item from the Divisional Director for Community Regeneration.

The Divisional Director for Community Regeneration gave a presentation to the Panel on this item. A copy of the presentation can be found on the Panel’s Minute Book and online as an appendix to these minutes, a summary is set out below.

Background

·  Established in February 2017

·  Chaired by Tim Bowles, West of England Mayor

·  Facilitates more decision-making on a local level on transport, housing and skills

·  Has potential to bring more than £1 billion investment to the region over thirty years.

Interface with the LEP

Staff employed by WECA service both the LEP and the Combined Authority which are linked through their governance arrangements.

West of England Structure

 LEP Board

WECA Board

Joint WoE Committee

Beneath the WECA Board and the Joint WoE Committee are the Skills Advisory Board, Business Advisory Board and the Infrastructure Advisory Board.

Funding Streams

LEP Funding

·  Local Growth Fund

·  Revolving Infrastructure Fund

·  Economic Development Fund

·  Sustainable Transport Package

WECA Funding

·  Gain Share Funding

·  Housing Infrastructure Fund

·  Housing Deal

Details regarding the Housing Infrastructure Fund and Housing Deal are still to be confirmed.

B&NES Priorities

·  A strong economy and growth

·  A focus on prevention

·  A new relationship with customers and communities

·  An efficient business

WECA Priorities

Delivering economic growth for all, under three pillars:

·  Businesses that succeed

·  World class skills for employment

·  Infrastructure fit for the future

WECA-Funded Projects

·  Joint Transport Study Highway Infrastructure

·  A37 to A362 Improvements

·  Hicks Gate Roundabout

·  Employment Support Innovation Pilot

LEP-Funded Projects

·  Innovation Quay

·  Bath Flood Mitigation

·  Bath City Centre Transport Package

·  Metro West Phase 1

Expected Outcomes

·  Safe, public spaces

·  Improved infrastructure

·  Upgraded connectivity

·  Better transport links

·  Modern Office Space

·  New homes

Future Opportunities

We anticipate that more funding will become available over the coming months as WECA matures.

B&NES will continue to bid for opportunities where they allow us to progress economic growth in the region.

Councillor Lisa O’Brien asked if the non-involvement of North Somerset in WECA would put extra pressure on B&NES, Bristol and South Gloucestershire in terms of housing delivery.

The Strategic Director for Place replied that feasibility studies were due to be carried out on this issue.

The Chairman thanked the Divisional Director for Community Regeneration for his presentation.