Agenda and minutes

           In opening the meeting, Metro Mayor S Rotheram congratulated St Helens Rugby League Club on winning the Super League Grand Final.

Metro Mayor S Rotheram referred to the recent sad passing of the former Leader of Warrington Borough Council, Councillor Terry O’Neill, who had served on the Combined Authority as an Associate Member.

The Combined Authority stood for a minute’s silence as a mark of respect.  

Metro Mayor S Rotheram also explained that as this was the last meeting before Remembrance Sunday. To honour the lives of those lost during active service and those who had served in the Armed Forces the Combined Authority stood to observe a minute’s silence.

Apologies for absence were receiced on behalf of:

Members of the LCR Combined Authority

Mayor J Anderson OBE, Portfolio Holder: Education, Employment & Skills

Mr A Hamid MBE, Portfolio Holder: Business Growth and Brexit

Councillor I Maher, Portfolio Holder: Culture, Tourism and the Visitor Economy

Co-opted Members

Rt Hon J Kennedy, Portfolio Holder: Criminal Justice

Associate Members

Councillor I Moran, Leader of West Lancashire Borough Council

Councillor R Bowden, Leader of Warrington Borough Council

Deputy Portfolio Holders

Councillor K Groucutt, Inclusive Growth and Third Sector

Councillor T Hardy, Housing and Spatial Framework

Councillor N Nicholas, Transport and Air Quality

Councillor S Powell, Culture, Tourism and the Visitor Economy

Councillor P Sinnott, Education, Employment and Skills

Councillor G Wood, Low Carbon and Energy Renewables

Councillor C Thomas, Policy, Reform and Resources

Mayoral Advisors

Professor Dame J Beer, Higher Education

Reverend Canon Dr E Loudon, Community and Voluntary Sector

B Spicer, Social Housing Growth

L Morris, Fairness and Social Justice

           It was reported that no Declarations of Interest had been received.

           RESOLVED – That the minutes of the LCR Combined Authority held on 4 October 2019 be approved as a correct record.

To receive updates from the Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor.

Metro Mayor S Rotheram provided Members with an update on his activities and key developments since the last meeting of the LCR Combined Authority.

Metro Mayor S Rotheram paid tribute to the emergency services who had responded to a high number of incidents over the Halloween period. Which had sadly also included a 12 year old girl being knocked down by a car whilst she was out trick or treating. On behalf of the LCR Combined Authority, the Metro Mayor wished her a full recovery.

Metro Mayor S Rotheram reported that in relation to the Merseyrail dispute positive talks with the RMT had continued and there would be no further industrial action over the Christmas period. Furthermore, over the coming weeks all parties would be looking to reach a deal ahead of the arrival of the new trains in 2020. The Metro Mayor referred to the industrial dispute on Northern Rail and stated that he had always supported the RMT in this dispute as there was a clear need for a Guard on intercity rail services, as there was often long distances between stations, many of which were not staffed. He also reported that he had met with Northern Rail Executives to discuss the deteriorating rail service. During which he had emphasised how customers were fed-up with the on-going cancellations and delays to the service and that this poor performance demonstrated that Northern Rail should have their franchise removed.

Metro Mayor S Rotheram explained how as part of the announcement of a 600km walking and cycling network across the City Region and to encourage people to consider cycling as a healthy and environmentally friendly means of travel, Councillor Robinson and himself had cycled across parts of the City Region. To encourage cycling across the City Region, the Metro Mayor had appointed Simon O’Brien as the City Region’s Cycling Commissioner. He reported that Simon was passionate about cycling and he wished him well in his endeavours.

Metro Mayor S Rotheram reported that the LCR Combined Authority had announced the establishment of a £5m Social Innovation Fund, in association with ‘Power to Change’. The Fund would support the growth of a socially responsible business sector in the City Region and an example of this was Homebaked in Anfield. The Metro Mayor had also attended MIPIM in London and along with Councillor Polhill had attended the Smarter Tomorrow event.

Metro Mayor S Rotheram informed the LCR Combined Authority of his recent meeting with Grant Shapps, Secretary of State for Transport, at which he had pressed for the withdrawal of Northern Rail’s franchise. He had also meet with Simon Clarke, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, were he had encouraged the Treasury for a fair funding settlement for the Liverpool City Region.

Metro Mayor S Rotheram provided an update on the following community engagement activity he had undertaken:-

·         A visit to Runcorn Station Quarter with Councillor Polhill to view the proposals for the area and then met with Unlock Runcorn to learn about  ...  view the full minutes text for item 93.

To consider the report of the Monitoring Officer.

           The LCR Combined Authority considered a report of the Monitoring Officer which sought the establishment of an officer delegation in relation to the use of Thematic Funds as set out in paragraphs 3.6 of the report.

           Members were advised that recommendation D would be deferred to a future meeting.

           RESOLVED – That:-

(i)             the Part 3, Bodies of the Combined Authority and Responsibility for Functions, Section A – The Combined Authority at paragraph 3.1 (d) be changed to a majority vote;

(ii)            the Head of Paid Service has exercised his delegated authority to appoint the Senior Head of Service – Operations to the interim appointment to the position of Director of Integrated Transport in accordance with Part 3, Bodies of the Combined Authority and Responsibility for Functions, Section E – Appointments and Disciplinary Committee, paragraph 5.2 be noted; and

(iii)           delegated authority be granted to the Head of Paid Service, Directors and Statutory Officers to expend up to £1million in relation to decisions in the Thematic Fund created from the Strategic Investment Fund and that decisions or more to be considered by officers in conjunction with the relevant Portfolio Holder(s) be agreed.

To consider the report of the Director of Corporate Services.

           The LCR Combined Authority considered the report of the Director of Corporate Services which set out the results of the external auditors, Mazars, audit of the LCR Combined Authority’s annual accounts for 2018/19.

Members were advised that as a consequence of Mazars completing their audit in July 2019, they had identified a technical accounting issue relating to the treatment of cash between the LCR Combined Authority single entity accounts and Merseytravel. This accounting issue had been rectified and submitted to Mazars for consideration. Mazars had subsequently accepted the proposals and had issued an unqualified opinion without modification in repsect of the financial statements.

RESOLVED – That:-

(i)             the external auditor’s Audit Completion Report on the annual Statement of Accounts of the LCR Combined Authority attached at Appendix One to the report be noted; and

(ii)           the Annual Statement of Accounts of the LCR Combined Authority as attached at Appendix Two to the report be approved.

To consider the report of the Treasurer.

           The LCR Combined Authority considered the report of the Treasurer which sought approval to accept an additional £5,869,094 of EU funding and to extend LCR ESF Ways to Work programme.

           RESOLVED – That:-

(i)             the additional European Social Fund grant outlined in Table 1a in the report now submitted for which the LCR Combined Authority acts as the Accountable Body be formally accepted;

(ii)            the end date of the existing ESF Ways to Work programme as detailed in Table 1b in the report now submitted be agreed;

(iii)           the onward grant awards of the additional money to relevant partner agencies listed in Table 2 in the report now submitted be agreed; and

(iv)          authority be delegated to the LCR Combined Authority Treasurer and Monitoring Officer to sign relevant variation to grant funding agreement letters and agree any necessary amendments to these schemes during the period of their delivery.

To consider a report of the Portfolio Holder: Housing and Spatial Framework and the Assistant Director, Policy and Strategic Commissioning.

           The LCR Combined Authority considered a report of the Portfolio Holder: Housing and Spatial Framework and Assistant Director, Policy and Strategic Commissioning, which set out the draft Liverpool City Region Housing and Statement and Delivery Plan 2019-2024.

           Councillor G Morgan, Portfolio Holder: Housing and Spatial Framework, explained that the Housing Statement and Delivery Plan set out an ambitious five year programme. He advised that the LCR Combined Authority had worked in conjunction with constituent Local Authorities, Homes England and the Mayoral Advisor: Social Housing Growth to develop an ambitious Housing Statement and Delivery Plan which also reflected Local Plans. With the aim of accelerating housing growth to include all tenures with a range of affordable homes. In conclusion, Councillor Morgan reported that the Housing Statement would support improvements to health, improve fuel poverty, carbon emissions and climate change. He explained that the Delivery Plan would be co-ordinated by the Housing and Spatial Planning Board.

Councillor P Hackett, Portfolio Holder: Inclusive Economy and Third Sector welcomed the Housing Statement and Delivery Plan and highlighted how it would support the development of Wirral Waters.

Metro Mayor S Rotheram wished to place on record his thanks to the Housing Officers at both the LCR Combined Authority and constituent Local Authorities for their work in developing the Housing Statement and Delivery Plan, both of which were an excellent demonstration of collaborative working.

RESOLVED – That the non-statutory LCR Housing Statement and Delivery Plan set out in Appendix One of this report which articulates the LCR’s vision and priorities for housing for the period 2019-24 be approved.

To consider a report of the Portfolio Holder: Inclusive Economy and Third Sector and the Director for Commercial Development and Investment.

           The LCR Combined Authority considered the report of the Portfolio Holder: Inclusive Growth and Third Sector and the Director of Commercial Development and Investment which sought approval of Strategic Investment Fund grant support for the scale-up of the Agent Academy industry led-social enterprise programme.

           Councillor P Hackett, Portfolio Holder: Inclusive Growth and Third Sector reported that the Agent Academy assisted 16-25 year olds to gain the skills to begin careers in the digital, creative and tech industry. He explained that Agent Academy was based in the Baltic Triangle, Liverpool and young people were provided with an opportunity to participate in the 12 week programme, with 90% of finishers securing a full time job. The grant support would enable the programme to expand its cohort and to run programmes in Wirral and St Helens.

RESOLVED – That:-

(i)             grant funding of up to £706,299 allocated from SIF Skills Capital (£121,388) and Gainshare Revenue (£584,911) be approved; and

(ii)            authority be granted to the Director of Commercial Development and Investment, in consultation with the Combined Authority Monitoring Officer and Combined Authority Treasurer, to finalise negotiation with the Sponsor of the detailed terms of the legal agreements necessary to deliver the project.

To consider a report of the Portfolio Holder: Inclusive Economy and Third Sector and the Director of Commercial Development and Investment.

           The LCR Combined Authority considered the report of the Portfolio Holder for Inclusive Economy and Third Sector and Director of Commercial Development and Investment which sought approval to award Strategic Investment Funding to specific projects to support the development of speculative light industrial floorspace across the City Region.

           Councillor P Hackett, Portfolio Holder: Inclusive Economy and Third Sector, reported that the grant funding would support four light industrial projects in Liverpool, St Helens, Knowsley and Wirral. The projects would support SME’s who were looking to expand or upgrade their facilities.

           RESOLVED – That:-

(i)             the provision of grant funding from the Strategic Investment Fund (SIF) for each of the following four projects up to the amount specified be approved:

·         Brookfield Park, Ph 2 (Liverpool) - £1,092,247

·         Gerards Park, Ph 2 (St Helens) - £1,040, 029

·         Image Business Park (Knowsley) - £861,069

·         Magazine Point (Wirral) - £766,943;

(ii)            the funding conditions set out in Appendix 3 be approved;

(iii)           the progress of the Sutton Fold project be noted and request that the project applicant demonstrate deliverability by 31 May 2020 in order for a decision to be taken regarding SIF grant funding for the project; and

(iv)          delegated authority be granted to the Director of Commercial Development and Investment to finalise negotiations of detailed funding terms and associated agreements for the projects specified at (i) and (ii) above in consultation with the Combined Authority Monitoring Officer and Combined Authority Treasurer.

To consider a report of the Chief Executive.

           The LCR Combined Authority considered the report of the Chief Executive which proposed a number of appointments of Combined Authority officers to serve on the Board of Directors of the Liverpool City Region Urban Development (GP) Limited (“LCR UDF (GP) Limited”).

           RESOLVED – That:-

(i)             the LCR UDF (GP) Limited has been established following the recommendations approved at the 8 March 2019 Combined Authority meeting be noted;

(ii)            the appointment of the Chief Executive, Section 73 Officer and Director of Commercial Development and Investment of the LCR Combined Authority to the Board of Directors of the LCR UDF (GP) Limited be approved;

(iii)           the funding decisions made by the Special Purpose Vehicle will be made in accordance with the terms agreed in the Funding Agreement with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (“MHCLG”) for receipt of the European Regional Development Fund (“ERDF”) money, as per the report approved at the 8 March 2019 Combined Authority meeting be noted;  

(iv)          authority be delegated to the appointed officers to undertake or delegate appropriately, all activities and steps that are necessary to effect the efficient and appropriate operation of the special purpose vehicle, namely to the LCR UDF (GP) Limited; and

(v)            the Liverpool City Region Urban Development Fund provide periodic updates to the LCR Combined Authority as part of the Strategic Investment Fund update process.

To consider the report of the Portfolio Holder: Inclusive Economy and Third Sector and the Director for Commercial Development and Investment.

           The LCR Combined Authority considered the report of the Portfolio Holder for Inclusive Growth and Third Sector and Director of Commercial Development and Investment which sought approval to support The Manufacturing Technology Centre Ltd (“MTC”) to develop a digital manufacturing accelerator (“DMA”).

           Metro Mayor S Rotheram reported that The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) Ltd where seeking approval of grant support of up to £14,950,000. This grant support would enable MTC to expand its facilities and create more than 40 highly skilled jobs.

           Councillor P Hackett, Portfolio Holder: Inclusive Growth and Third Sector, reported that MTC was a national leader in advanced manufacturing and the grant funding would support a Rapidly Reconfigurable Factory Environment at Liverpool Science Park in the Knowledge Quarter and a Digital Factory Environment (‘digital sandpit’) which would be located at STFC’s Hartree Centre in the SciTech Daresbury campus.

Metro Mayor S Rotheram reported that over 30 letters of support had been received from regional and national businesses in relation to the application, as they believed this project and pattern would help them develop further in the City Region, leading to high quality advanced manufacturing and digital jobs.

Mark Bousfield, Director of Commercial Development and Investment provided Members with a short presentation which demonstrated the proposals.

RESOLVED – That:-

(i)             the provision of grant support of up to £14,950,000 to the Manufacturing Technology Centre be approved; and

(ii)            authority be granted to the Director of Commercial Development and Investment to finalise negotiations of detailed terms of the funding and associated agreements in consultation with the Combined Authority Monitoring Officer and Combined Authority Treasurer.

To consider a report of the Portfolio Holder: Inclusive Economy and Third Sector and the Director of Commercial Development and Investment.

           The LCR Combined Authority considered the report of the Portfolio Holder: Inclusive Economy and Third Sector and the Director of Commercial Development and Investment which presented a number of requested changes by Liverpool City Council in relation to the City Centre Connectivity 1, which was a previously approved Strategic Investment Fund (SIF) project.

           Councillor P Hackett, Portfolio Holder: Inclusive Economy and Third Sector, reported that £38.4million of SIF funding was being requested to support the works required on the Churchill Flyovers.

           RESOLVED – That:-

(i)             the LCRCA agreed to invest £38.4 million to the City Centre Connectivity 1 scheme in October 2017 be noted;

(ii)            the changes requested to increase the SIF support from £38.4m to £40.15m and recognising the change to scope be agreed; and

(iii)           delegated authority be granted to the Director of Commercial Development and Investment to finalise negotiations of detailed terms of the funding and associated agreements in consultation with the Combined Authority Monitoring Officer and Combined Authority Treasurer.

To consider the report of the Assistant Director, Policy and Strategic Commissioning.

           The LCR Combined Authority considered the report of the Assistant Director, Policy and Strategic Commissioning, which provided an update on the development of the Local Industrial Strategy and its strategic framework.

           Dr Aileen Jones, Assistant Director, Policy and Strategic Commissioning, provided Members with a presentation which covered the following key issues:-

·         An update on the engagement and consultation work to inform the development of the Local Industrial Strategy;

·         Set out the key messages which had been received from the public consultation and engagement with the business community;

·         Explained how the Strategic Framework would inform and provide a foundation for the structure of the Local Industrial Strategy and policy interventions; and

·         Summarised the next steps, with the aim of having a draft Local Industrial Strategy completed by the end of December 2019.

Councillor R Polhill, Portfolio Holder: Low Carbon and Energy Renewables welcomed the development of the Local Industrial Strategy but sought clarity on how climate change would be reflected within it.

Dr A Jones advised Members that the issue of climate change was a significant factor within the Local Industrial Strategy. She explained that the City Region had a distinct opportunity to utilise the River Mersey to generate clean energy.  

Councillor P Hackett, Portfolio Holder: Inclusive Economy and Third Sector, enquired about how this strategy would be different to previous economic strategies?

Dr A Jones reported that the Local Industrial Strategy would reflect the distinctiveness of the City Region and it would also need to be attuned to the National Industrial Strategy. This would be an ambitious Strategy and the extensive consultation undertaken to inform the Strategy would also make it different to previous economic strategies.

           RESOLVED – That:-

(i)             the ongoing progress made in the development of the Local Industrial Strategy be supported;

(ii)            the emerging strategic framework for the strategy that is set out in the Appendix to this report be noted; and

(iii)           the final Local Industrial Strategy be submitted to Government at the end of March 2020.

To consider a report of the Portfolio Holder: Transport and Air Quality and the Assistant Director, Policy and Strategic Commissioning.

           The LCR Combined Authority considered a report of the Portfolio Holder: Transport and Air Quality and Assistant Director, Policy and Strategic Commissioning which presented the interim Liverpool City Region Air Quality Action Plan.

           In presenting the Air Quality Action Plan to the LCR Combined Authority, Councillor L Robinson, Portfolio Holder: Transport and Air Quality, explained how air pollution trends had changed over the decades, however, poor air quality still remained a significant issue. He went on to outline the short and long term health effects of air pollution on residents who were often the most vulnerable citizens.

Councillor L Robinson explained that a LCR Combined Authority Air Quality Task Force had been established following an Air Quality review undertaken by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. Councillor Robinson provided an overview of the membership of the Task Force, which included Portfolio Holders from each of the constituent Local Authorities, health bodies, businesses and other stakeholders. The Task Force had worked collaboratively to develop an ambitious and practical Action Plan which would require significant behaviour changes to bring about improvements to air quality.

Councillor Robinson explained that the Action Plan set out actions for each of the following:-

·         LCR Combined Authority;

·         Constituent Local Authorities and partners;

·         Residents, communities and businesses;

·         Central Government and its agencies.

Gideon Ben-Tovim OBE, Mayoral Advisor: Natural Environment welcomed the report, particularly as it coincided with the Year of the Environment.

Councillor G Morgan, Portfolio Holder: Housing and Spatial Framework, noted that the Action Plan was particularly focused on the City Centre and sought clarity on what work the other Local Authorities were undertaking.  Councillor Robinson advised Members that the Action Plan had been developed in collaboration with the six constituent Local Authorities, some of whom had introduced initiatives to stop cars idling outside schools. Examples of best practise such as this would be shared across the City Region.

Councillor D Baines, Portfolio Holder: Digital Connectivity and Inclusion, identified that the Action Plan had focused heavily on improvements to Transport. However, building houses and industry operations also impacted on air quality and he sought clarity on how the Action Plan would address these matters. Councillor L Robinson explained that the domestic consumption of fuel was key and through potential changes to planning guidance there was an opportunity for developers to build new homes which avoided energy waste.

Metro Mayor S Rotheram welcomed the excellent report and work undertaken to develop the Action Plan.

RESOLVED – That:-

(i)             the draft, interim Air Quality Action Plan set out within Appendix Two of this report be endorsed;

(ii)            the LCR Combined Authority reiterated its support for taking urgent, collective action to tackle poor air quality across the city region, lined to its commitments around Climate Emergency, net zero carbon by 2040 and key messages in the emerging Local Industrial Strategy around clean growth and

(iii)           a draft final version of the Air Quality Action Plan, following pre-decision scrutiny by the LCR Combined Authority’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee, be received ahead of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 104.

Members of the public will be given the opportunity to ask questions which have been submitted in accordance with Meetings Standing Orders No. 11. A period of 30 minutes will be allocated for this item. Copies of valid questions will be circulated at the meeting.

Members of the public who wish to submit questions are asked to contact Democratic Services either by:

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 0151 330 1330

In writing: Democratic Services, LCR Combined Authority, PO Box 1976, No. 1 Mann Island, Liverpool, L3 1BP.

A proforma will be supplied for the submission of public questions which for this meeting must be returned by 5.00pm on Monday 28 October 2019.

           Metro Mayor S Rotheram reported that no public questions had been received.

Members of the public who wish to submit a single position or statement in accordance with Meetings Standing Orders No. 11 are asked to contact Democratic Services either by:

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 0151 330 1330

In writing: Democratic Services, LCR Combined Authority, PO Box 1976, No. 1 Mann Island, Liverpool, L3 1BP.

The single petition or statement for this meeting must be returned by 5.00pm on Monday 28 October 2019.

           Metro Mayor S Rotheram reported that no petitions or statements had been received.

           RESOLVED – That the minutes of the Transport Committee held on 12 September 2019 were received as a correct record.