To approve the updated Towns Fund Programme Governance Arrangements relating to Phase 2 and Phase 3 of the Towns Fund Programme.
Presented By:Strong and Inclusive Economy
Minutes:
Approval was sought for the updated Towns Fund Programme Governance Arrangements relating to Phase 2 and Phase 3 of the Towns Fund Programme.
On 6 September 2019, it was announced that 101 Towns had been identified by Government to benefit from the Town Fund. In Sandwell, West Bromwich, Smethwick, and Rowley Regis were identified. A Town Investment Plan was submitted for each Town in October 2020 and in March 2021 Heads of Terms were offered and accepted for each Town.
Detailed guidance for the first phase of the Towns Fund was published in June 2020 which contained a number of specific requirements around the governance of the Towns Fund programme including the responsibilities of the Lead Council and the Town Deal Board, and the composition of the Town Deal Board.
Governance arrangements for the Towns Fund Programme were approved by Cabinet in July 2020 including confirmation of appointments to the Sandwell Superboard and three Local Boards.
The
process for the Towns Fund Programme was as follows:
Phase 1
· Submission of Town Investment Plans (October 2020)
· Heads of Terms Agreement signed
· Town Deal Announced
Phase 2
• Development of Detailed Business Cases and approval from Superboard and Cabinet (following capital appraisal)
• Submission of Project Summary Documents by March 2022
Phase 3
· Release of Funding
· Delivery of Towns Fund Projects (by 2026)
The Cabinet Member for Strong and Inclusive Economy addressed questions from the Chair of the Children’s Service and Education Scrutiny Board regarding the membership of the Town Deal Board and the focus for the upcoming projects.
It was explained that the Town Deal projects were developed in spring and summer of 2020. Ideas for projects were identified based on a range of information and engagement, not exclusively but including suggestions from previous consultations, aims of the Vision 2030, discussions with Superboard and Local boards following a period of public consultation. A shortlist was created prioritising projects which had the best chance of receiving government funding.
The Cabinet Member noted that he was aware that local councillors had raised concerns and the issue had previously been brought to the Budget and Scrutiny Management Board on 12 October 2020 (see Minute No. 40/20). It was explained that the Town Lead and Deputy Town Lead were representatives of elected members and that they should ensure their views are reflected.
The Government required boards to comprise of a private sector chair, all tiers of Local Government, local Members of Parliament, representatives of the Local Enterprise Partnership, Business and Investment representatives and other relevant groups to reflect a range of partners and local interest. The make of the board was agreed at a meeting of the Cabinet on 22 July 2020 (see Minute No. 61/20).
Approval was now sought to the following adjustments:
· Inclusion of an open invitation to Superboard Members to attend Local Board meetings and participate in the shaping of proposals, as required.
· Inclusion of an open invitation to Cabinet Members to attend Local Board meetings and participate in the shaping of proposals. This will enable Cabinet Members with a portfolio relevant to of individual projects to participate, as required.
· Inclusion of Deputy Town Lead Member, in addition to Town Lead Member, to strengthen the linkage between the Local Boards and Councillors in the Town
Reason for Decision
With the signing of the Town Deal Heads Terms in March 2021, the Towns Fund Programme had now moved into Phase 2 - Business Case Development Phase. The focus of the forthcoming 12 months was about developing these projects to Full Business Case stage and to make preparations for their delivery. This would involve considerations such as assessing options, ensuring viability and ensuring the deliverability of the project.
Following receipt of additional guidance from Government in December 2020 and April 2021, the Governance arrangements needed to be updated to reflect the roles of the Superboard and Local Boards over Phase 2 and Phase 3 of the Towns Fund programme.
This had also provided opportunity to review the existing governance arrangements to ensure it remains fit for purpose to deliver the Town Fund Projects effectively, reflect on lessons learnt, and ensure we comply with the accountability requirements of Government.
Alternative Options Considered
Alternative proposals for governance could be implemented including different structural options. The current model of Superboard being supported by three Local Boards had been effective to date and the proposal sought to strengthen these arrangements to ensure effective engagement of stakeholders.
The proposed updated Terms of Reference within this report adhered with the Government’s Towns Fund Guidance which was a requirement to access the Towns Fund funding.
Agreed:-
(1) that approval be given to the updated Towns Fund Programme Governance Arrangements relating to Phase 2 and Phase 3 of the Towns Fund Programme as set out in the appendix;
(2) that the invitation to attend Local Board meetings as required in line with portfolio responsibilities be noted;
(3) that the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the Council. the Cabinet Member for Strong and Inclusive Economy and the Monitoring Officer, be authorised to agree arrangements for the Governance of the Towns Fund Programme in accordance with the Government’s Towns Funds Guidance