Decision details

Approval was sought to the closure of the Black Country Consortium Limited.

Reasons for recommendations

The 2022 Levelling White Paper signalled the current shift in policy direction and a significant change in economic development architecture, namely emphasising and empowering local leadership and improving pride of place. This shift provides the latest context for a root and branch review of how streamlining ways of working at a Black Country geography needs to be reflected.

Alternative options considered

There are no alternative options as the Association of Black Country Authorities Leaders meeting held on 19 October 2022 has agreed to the closure of the company. The recommendations in the report are for each of the ABCA Cabinets to confirm the action taken.

Agreed:-

(1)     that approval be given to the closure of the Black Country Consortium Limited

(2)     that the following Association of Black Country Authorities Leaders’ approvals made at their meeting held on 19th October 2022 be noted:

a)   Acknowledge the track record and positive contribution enabled by BC Consortium Ltd.

b)   A calling of a directors meeting of Black Country Consortium Ltd in January 2023 with a recommendation to voluntary wind up the company at a date to be advised and agreed during 2023.

c)    A commitment to working towards a goal of a clear regional arrangement for data and intelligence clarifying roles and responsibilities and in the interim hosting of Black Country Consortium Economic Intelligence team via Walsall MBC who will still continue to provide via a service level agreement data and intelligence to Black Country Councils as required.

d)   A fit for purpose and timely arrangement for a TUPE transfer arrangement for Active Black Country, currently hosted via Black Country Consortium Ltd to an independent entity arrangement, noting local authority hosting offers in principle from the City of Wolverhampton Council and Sandwell MBC.

e)   A potential hosting/ integration of current cultural/ visitor economy expertise by one of the BC local authorities.

f)     Historical BCC Ltd company deferred pensioners and pensioners liabilities split as a liability equally across the 4 BC councils, noting pension liabilities for BCC Ltd are already reflected on Black Country Councils balance sheets.

g)   A report to individual local authority cabinets (November / December 2022) to endorse the closure of BCC Ltd.