Issue - meetings

To seek Scrutiny comments on Welsh Government’s proposals to include the review of the Regional Transport Plan and their proposals to introduce Corporate Joint Committees.

That the Committee supports the response to the Welsh Government’s proposals for CJCs in respect of the strategic transport function, the economic development function, and the proposals for the production of a Strategic Development Plan as set out in the report to and response of the Planning Strategy Group.

The Chief Executive introduced a report to seek comments on the Welsh Government’s (WG) proposals to include the review of the Regional Transport Plan and the proposals to introduce Corporate Joint Committees (CJCs).  He provided background information and referring to section 1.12 in the report said  the Authority did not have an objection in principle to the proposal of a CJC as a better alternative to the reorganisation of local government in Wales and the consequential cost and disruption involved.  However, there were  concerns around the scope and function which would be initially assigned to CJCs, any future powers, and the impact on local capacity to undertake and manage local functions and schemes.  The Chief Executive referred to the Council’s further responses to the consultation paper on the proposals as detailed in the report.

The Chief Officer (Planning, Environment & Economy) reported that the closing date for comments on the WG consultation on the proposals was 4 January 2021.  He advised that the CJCs would be comprised of the six local authorities in North Wales and Snowdonia National Park.  He explained that the CJCs would have the following three related functions: the improvement of Economic Development and Well Being; Strategic  Planning, and Regional Transport Planning.   He gave an overview of the first two functions and advised that, in principle, the Council supported the proposals, but had concerns around timescales, finance, and other matters. 

The Chief Officer (Streetscene and Transportation) provided background information and reported on the Council’s position in response to the proposals from a transport planning perspective which was supportive in principle of a regional model but with some concerns as detailed in the report.

Councillor Carolyn Thomas advised that the New Transport Strategy had been published on the WG website.  She commented that she had regularly raised concerns around funding and resources being kept locally but supported a regional approach for rail and bus transport strategic routes.  She also expressed concerns around the implications on the appointment of officers for CJCs FROM the local authorities for each region and the WG expectation that the roles would require a commitment of  1-5 days a week.  She emphasised the value and need for the local knowledge of officers to be retained.  

Councillor Chris Bithell expressed concerns around the proposed timescales and potential difficulties involved to develop a regional Strategic Development Plan.  

Councillor Patrick Heesom spoke of the need for a transport infrastructure to meet the economic and social requirements of Flintshire.

The Chief Executive responded to Members’ comments and agreed on the need to avoid duplication of administration and cost and gave an example of how this would be avoided. 

Councillor Carolyn Thomas reiterated the need to feedback the Authority’s concerns to the WG on the proposals around resources,  funding, and the need to retain local officer knowledge and experience. 

In response to the concerns raised by Councillor Patrick Heesom concerning the impact of Brexit on Holyhead Port the Chief Executive explained that significant work was being undertaken at regional level  ...  view the full minutes text for item 24