Decision details

Consider and comment on the draft review of governance arrangements, which concludes that for West Yorkshire, integrated Transport Authority should be abolished and a Combined Authority created. Consider and comment on a draft Scheme for the establishment of a Combined Authority for West Yorkshire. Authorise a partner and stakeholder consultation exercise to seek views on the provisional proposals contained in the draft Scheme for the Combined Authority. Receive a report by June 2013 advising members of the outcome of the consultation, having regard to responses received, proposing a final review and draft scheme for a Combined Authority, for endorsement by members and recommendation to Council to approve for submission to the Secretary of State in July 2013.

The Director of City Development submitted a report providing an update on the review of governance arrangements in West Yorkshire, and the proposed next steps towards establishing a West Yorkshire Combined Authority.  Specifically, the report sought the Board’s views on a draft statutory Review of transport and economic governance arrangements in West Yorkshire; sought the Board’s views on the draft governance Scheme, which set out the role and governance arrangements for the proposed Combined Authority; and requested authorisation to consult on the draft Review and Scheme with partners and stakeholders.

Members highlighted the integral role to be played by democratic accountability in the development of such arrangements.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the draft Review of governance arrangements relating to

transport, economic development and regeneration be noted together with any comments made in relation to such matters at the meeting, which pursuant to Section 108 of the Local Democracy Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 and Section 82 of the Local Transport Act 2008, concludes that for the area of West Yorkshire, the Integrated Transport Authority should be dissolved and a Combined Authority created, both as the best option for the area going forward in terms of delivering the City Deal and because it would be likely to improve:

·   the exercise of statutory functions relating to economic development, regeneration and transport in the area;

·   the effectiveness and efficiency of transport; and

·   the economic conditions in the area.

(b)  That the draft Scheme for the establishment of a Combined Authority for West Yorkshire which would form the basis for public and stakeholder consultation by the individual West Yorkshire District authorities and the Integrated Transport Authority, be noted along with any comments made in relation to such matters at the meeting.

(c)  That approval be given to the partner and stakeholder consultation exercise, as outlined within section 4.1 of the submitted report, which will test the findings of the draft Review and seek views on the provisional proposals contained in the draft Scheme for a Combined Authority, including how it will interact with these organisations, with the Review and Scheme documents being referred to the Scrutiny Board (Resources and Council Services) for consideration.

(d)  That a further report be submitted to the Executive Board by June 2013 advising Members of the outcomes from the consultation exercise, and having regard to the responses received, proposing a final Review and draft Scheme for a Combined Authority, for the purposes of endorsement by Members and also to seek a recommendation that Council provides the necessary approvals, to facilitate submission to the Secretary of State in July 2013.

Consultation has taken place already with Executive Board members. Following the decision, further consultation will take place more widely on the Draft Governance Scheme.