Agenda item

That the Quarter 4 Performance Report and the Portfolio Management Office Annual Report for 2020-21 be noted.

The Chief Executive introduced a report to present the Quarter 4 (January – March) Growth Deal report, updated Portfolio Risk Register, and the Portfolio Management Office Annual Report for 2020-21 for the North Wales Economic Ambition Board. He provided background information and reminded Members that the North Wales Growth Deal was a medium to long term set of interventions which linked to North Wales’ strengths, citing in particular Green and Inclusive Economy and core progressive industries.  He said it was a regional programme  and gave a balance of West/Central East. 

The Chief Officer (Planning, Economy & Environment) introduced Alwen Williams, Portfolio Director, and Hedd Vaughan-Evans, Operations Manager, and invited them to give a joint presentation to the Committee on the North Wales Growth Deal which covered the following main points:

• Growth Deal portfolio:
• the 5 Programmes:
  • Digital Programme
  • Land and Property Programme
  • Energy Programme
  • Innovation in High Value Manufacturing Programme
  • Agri-food and Tourism Programme
• North Wales Growth Deal 2020-21 Quarter 4 (January- March 2021) Performance Report
• North Wales Economic Ambition Board 2020-21 Annual Report

Councillor Paul Shotton referred to the easing of Covid restrictions and asked if any of the projects could be brought forward before 2023.  He also asked for an update on the upskilling project.  The Operations Manager advised that work on delivery was progressing as fast as possible, however, the projects were medium/long term complex capital projects which would take time to develop and construct.  He advised that the first operational projects were likely to deliver benefits from 2023 onwards, however, the construction phases were expected to start end of 2021/beginning 2022.  The Portfolio Director advised that all of the capital investment would require the right skills and people to service the investment and commented on work with the Regional Skills partnership, industries, colleges and schools, concerning the skills and employment opportunities required to keep value in local economy. 

Councillor Andy Hughes asked what strategies were in place to promote the Growth Deal to the general public.  The Portfolio Director explained that a website was being developed and was due to be launched in the next few months which would provide comprehensive information and contact details about all the projects. In addition to the website there would be a launch of a brand identity.  She commented on the need to influence and inspire young people about the opportunities and high value jobs which would be created by the Growth Deal. 

The Chief Executive explained that the Economic Ambition Board  would be expanding its role in the future to have a greater impact beyond the Growth Deal.  He commented that in terms of public awareness of the Growth Deal interest in specific projects would be high and said engagement with the business and academic sector had been significant and would filter through.  He said North Wales was recognised as a coherent and ambitious region by both the UK government and WG and said there was a need to build up stakeholder interest and promote local projects when going live.

Councillor Owen Thomas referred to the Holyhead project and asked if investment was going to be made to the A55 and the electrification of the Holyhead to Chester rail service.  He also asked if there was to be investment into electric vehicles and referred to production of engines on Toyota, Deeside Industrial Park.  The Chief Executive explained there were separate programmes of work regarding the A55 and rail services.  He said there was investment in improving land capacity and speed and investment by Transport for Wales in rolling stock but electrification was not on the agenda for UK and WG governments for the North Wales railway at the current time as it was about improving connectivity, the number of trains, and quality.  The A55 was WG responsibility and multiple schemes were in operation to improve the flow and the Authority was pursing WG funding for the easement of congestion which did not require a new route and replacement of the Dee Bridge.

The Chief Officer (Planning, Environment and Economy) provided further detail regarding the Holyhead project.  He said that work was at a critical stage, and as part of the Land and Property Programme the proposals for investment in the Holyhead project were being reviewed which may have an impact on other projects in that Programme.

Councillor Patrick Heesom asked that consideration be given to the potential for Mostyn port and referred to the concerns raised around the Holyhead project.  The Chief Executive explained that although Mostyn was not in the Growth Deal – and was self-sufficient in funding its own expansion - and therefore not part of the funding list, the Authority would be its advocate for the region and Flintshire as it remained a significant port.

Councillor Glyn Banks thanked all involved for their work and spoke in support of the Growth Deal. He commented on the anticipated growth in the tourism industry and asked for further information on the Tourism Talent Network project.  The Portfolio Director gave an overview of the project and explained that the Tourism Talent Network was a project designed to identify the need for skills in tourism and to raise the quality of customer and hospitality service.  The Chief Officer (Planning, Economy & Environment) commented on the challenges of recruitment into the tourism industry during the last 12 months.

The Chief Executive advised that progress reports and themed reports of particular interest would be provided to future meetings of the Committee.

The recommendation was moved by Councillor Patrick Heesom and seconded by Councillor Paul Shotton.

RESOLVED:

That the Quarter 4 Performance Report and the Portfolio Management Office

Annual Report for 2020/21 be noted.