Minutes of the Board meeting held on Friday, 10 September 2004
at the offices of Infolab, Lancaster University, Lancaster
Present
Bryan Gray (Chairman)
Martin Harris
Pauleen Lane
Dennis Mendoros
Marie Rimmer
Anil Ruia
Brenda Smith
Mike Storey
Maureen Williams
Joe Dwek CBE
John Dunning
Robert Johnston
Richard Leese
Also Present:
Steven Broomhead
Bernice Law (Secretary)
Ian Wray (60/05)
Helen France (60/14 and 60/15)
Nigel Craig (60/10)
David Higham (GONW)
60/00 Introduction and apologies for
absence
Apologies for absence were received from Neville Chamberlain and
Dave McCall.
60/02 Minutes of the meeting held on 9 July 2004These were
approved as a correct record.Declarations made by Pauleen Lane at
the meeting on 9 July were omitted from the Minutes as
follows:-Pauleen Lane declared an interest in the following items
and took no part in the discussion 59/09 and 59/10.
60/03 Action points from last meeting and matters
arising
There were no matters arising.
60/04 Chief Executive’s report
The report from the Chief Executive covered the following
issues:-
1 Objective 2 Action Plan – 2nd Phase
The Chief Executive reported that the Agency is delivering a £31m
ERDF Action Plan under the Objective 2 programme, and that
discussions are underway to secure a further tranche of funding to
cover 2005-2008 in collaboration with the NW Universities
Association. The bid for £35m, if successful, would be
delivered as a single action plan and bring together the NWDA/NWUA
activities.
2 Casinos and Regeneration
Richard Leese
declared an interest in this item and took no part in the
discussions.The Board noted the significant developer interest and
speculation in potential casino developments in the region, in
anticipation of the introduction of the Gambling Bill, which will
liberalise gambling in England and Wales.The NWRA has not included
a draft policy on this matter in the current partial review of
Regional Planning Guidance.The Chief Executive reported that to
assist the NWRA in preparing a policy in the Regional Spatial
Strategy, the Agency had agreed to fund and project manage a study
to consider market demand and supply.A further report will be
presented to the Board in November.
3 Government Review of the Rail Industry (“The Future
of Rail”)
The Chief Executive reported on the Secretary of State for
Transport’s announcement of 15 July 2004, on the outcome of the
Rail Industry Review, which included proposals to abolish the
Strategic Rail Authority with its responsibilities transferred to
the Department of Transport, Network Rail and the Office of the
Rail Regulator. The new structure is intended to simplify the
relationship between Government and the rail industry.
4 Metrolink
Richard Leese declared an interest in this item and took no part in
the discussions.The Chief Executive reported the Secretary of State
for Transport’s announcement, on 20 July, that he was unable to
approve the revised funding package for Metrolink Phase 3.The Board
expressed its disappointment that the Department of Transport had
not consulted the Agency on this matter.The Board supported the
Agency making a submission to Ministers setting out the regional
economic case for Metrolink. It was agreed this paper would
be submitted to the Infrastructure Sub Group in advance of
despatch.
5 Omega Strategic Regional Site – Progress
Report
Richard Leese declared an interest in this item and took no part in
the discussions.The Board noted the current position with this
Strategic Regional Site and that the Agency is Chairing a group
tasked to prepare a draft framework for monitoring the early phases
of the Omega development.A further report will be submitted to the
October meeting of the Board.
6 Cumbria Vision Update
The Chief Executive reported good progress on the establishment of
Cumbria Vision, in particular:
· The Vision Board had started to address key strategic issues
facing the county, including Carlisle Airport and regeneration
across the sub-region.
· The recruitment of a Chief Executive
· Integration of the Agency’s Area Office In November 2004,
the Secretary for Trade and Industry, Patricia Hewitt, will Chair
the inaugural meeting of the West Cumbria Strategic Partnership at
which Cumbria Vision will lead the presentations.
This will give a unique opportunity to present the main issues
facing the sub region to key Ministers.The Board noted the report
and asked the Chief Executive to ensure that partners are fully
briefed as matters progress.
7 Carlisle Airport
The Board noted that in August, Cumbria Vision had received a
presentation from York Aviation on the issues and progress made in
relation to the economic impact study. Cumbria Vision felt
more work was needed before a conclusion could be reached and
recommendations made.The additional work includes:-
· An Assessment of the benefits of the airport to the Dumfries
and Galloway area and funding support from Scotland.
· The production of a viable business plan and funding
strategy.
· Further consideration of the wider benefits of the
development of the airport.
An update report will be presented to the Board meeting in
November.
8 Lake District Economic Studies Report
The Chief Executive reported on the Regeneris Consulting work to
conduct a wide-ranging study into the economic futures of the Lake
District.
The Consultants confirmed that the Lake District’s economy
performed well on many indicators but relied heavily on
tourism.
The Board noted the main recommendations and actions:
· Broad zoning should be introduced within the National Park
as a basis of planning to target promotion and business development
and guide visitor management.
· Innovative hypothecated taxation should be introduced to pay
for environmental development and affordable housing.
· Diversification and the quest to raise GVA should focus on
increasing quality not quantity.
· Opportunities for development just outside the National Park
should be promoted to spread the effect of the Lake District.
9 Strategic Regional Sites Draft Implementation
Plans
The Chief Executive reported that draft implementation plans had
been prepared for 10 of the 25 strategic regional sites.
These plans provided a clear direction and focus for the delivery
of each site and for working with sub regional partners. The
Board noted that in July 2004, the Infrastructure Sub-Group agreed
the amended plans as the Agency’s policy position and agreed to
discussions on transport and implementation issues, subject to
Board endorsement. The consultation with partners had taken
place on all sites except Whitebirk.
The Board endorsed the Infra-structure Sub-Group's
recommendations.
10 Vision for Daresbury
The Chief Executive reported progress on the scheme as
follows:-
· The Cockcroft Institute will be located in Building 2.
· The Innovation Centre is completed and will open in
September 2004.~
· The draft job description for the Chief Executive has been
agreed.
· The 4GLS project is proceeding through the Government’s
major projects process.~
· A special purpose vehicle for Daresbury is to be
established, shadow chair is Sir Martin Harris.
· CPRG approval is being sought on the detailed changes and
costing of the project.
It was agreed that a further report would be presented to the Board
in November.
11 Northwest Science Fund
The Board noted the progress on this three year scheme. In
particular, that 38 bids had been received, which had been reduced
to 10 bids. An expert committee will make recommendations on
allocations of the fund to the Science Council in October.A full
report will be presented to the Board in November.
12 Current Activity with Voluntary and Communities
Sector (VCS) in the North West
The Board noted that the Agency had agreed to develop a regional
Compact with the Voluntary and Communities Sector to provide a
basis for further partnership working and an action plan to detail
how the Agency will engage with VCS in terms of delivery policy and
strategy.
13 Elected Regional Assemblies
The Board
noted the announcement by the Deputy Prime Minister that because of
concerns about postal balloting, only the North East referendum
would take place and also the presentation to Parliament of the
draft Regional Assemblies Bill.
14 Rural Renaissance Update
The Board received an update report on the following three sub
regional delivery bodies following the first year of
operation.
Cheshire Rural Recovery Partnership
· £900K investment allocated to 24 projects.
· Strategy Day identified 4 strategic priorities, Rural
Enterprise Gateway, market towns and villages, Green Fingers and
Splash (a rivers, canals and mere project)
· From 1 April the Partnership assumed responsibility for the
delivery of the Rural Small Building Grant Scheme.Lancashire Rural
Recovery· 8 projects appraised worth £5m
· Gross outputs include 154 jobs created and 153 jobs
safeguarded.
Rural Regeneration Cumbria
· 31 March 2004 £12.1m of grant funding to 25 projects.
· Major schemes included strengthening Rural Communities Fund,
a small business capital grant scheme, a major tourism programme
etc.
Market Town
· 110 delegates attended Regional Market Town
Conference.
· Training Programme for partnership carried out with
Countryside Agency.
· NWDA funding for Ulverston, Clitheroe and Frodsham
committed.
· Funding for Allerdale and Lakes Partnership approved.
15 Equality and Diversity Progress
Update
The Chief Executive reported on the establishment of a Cross Agency
Equality and Diversity Task Group. He also reported on the
review of the Race Equality Scheme Action Plan which was taking
place.
The Board requested an update at the meeting in November on how our
strategy will be adopted by partners undertaking programme
work.
16 Bio Grow on Facilities (Renovo)
Richard Leese declared an interest in this item and took no part in
the discussions.
The Chief Executive reported on the tender for a North West Bio
Accommodation Study which was in process and the need to
co-ordinate this with a study being undertaken in Manchester.It was
agreed that once this study is completed, it should be considered
by the Board and that the Agency explores with Manchester
University and private developers, as a matter of urgency, the
possibilities for a market-led development with particular
reference to Project Unity.
17 Queen’s Award for Enterprise and
Promotion
In response to a request for nominations for the Queen’s Award for
Enterprise and Promotion, the Board approved the proposed
nominations.
18 Annual Report on NWDA Performance
2003/04
The Board noted the contents of the Government Office Regional
Directors’ Annual Report of the Agency’s performance. The
Agency received an overall Good grade.The Board also noted that as
part of the Agency’s culture of continuous improvement, a
plan had been developed which will go to the next Audit
Committee.
19 Audit Committee
The Board agreed to appoint Councillor Marie Rimmer as the new
Chair of the Audit Committee from its next meeting on 1 October
2004 and expressed their thanks to the retiring Chairman, Neville
Chamberlain.
20 Organisational Change Update
The Chief Executive gave an update on the following organisational
issues.· The interviews for the Executive Director of Finance
and Corporate Resources will be held on 11 October 2004.· The
advertisement for the post of Executive Director Enterprise Policy
had generated a good field of applicants.· The review of the
structure of the Enterprise and Innovation, Business Skills North
West and Skills Policy teams.
60/05 Finance Report
The Board noted the Finance Report and that the Agency’s accounts
for 2003/4 had been approved by Government.The Chief Executive
reported that the National Audit Office (NAO) Management Letter had
been received and that it would be considered at the next Audit
Committee.
60/06 Audit Committee Minutes
The Minutes of the Audit Committee held on 29 July 2004 were
approved.
60/07 Environmental Sub Group terms of
reference
The Board approved the terms of reference
of the Environment Sub-Group.Membership of the Sub-Group to be Joe
Dwek, Chairman, Dave McCall, Pauleen Lane, John Dunning and Mike
Storey.
60/08 Quarterly Performance Monitoring
Report
The Quarterly Performance Monitoring Report
April – June 2004 was noted.
60/09 Northern Way Growth
Strategy
The Board were appraised of progress
on the Northern Way Growth Strategy which had been submitted to the
Deputy Prime Minister. The strategy will be launched by John
Prescott on 20 September 2004.
60/10 Fourth Grace
Mike Storey declared
an interest in this item and took no part in the discussions.
The Board considered a report, which outlined the position on the
Fourth Grace development. The Board noted the circumstances
which led to the public sector partners’ decision not to continue
with the Fourth Grace project, which was endorsed.
Bryan Gray declared an interest in this item and handed the chair
to Sir Martin Harris.
A considerable discussion took place on the proposed future
development of the Liverpool Waterfront and Mann Island Site.
The Board agreed there was now a chance to look again at the
Liverpool Waterfront and resolved to invite the Executive to
develop alternative proposals for the Mann Island site, including
all potential opportunities which would be set within the Agency’s
priorities.
60/11 Corporate Plan 2005/06 to 2007/08 Framework
Document
The Board approved the Corporate Plan
framework document as the basis of consultation with partners and
agreed broad priorities and focus for the Agency for the corporate
plan period.
60/12 Review of Seed and Venture Capital
Funds
This item was deferred until the November meeting of the
Board.
60/13 Regional Skills Partnership
The Board were informed of the development of the North West
Regional Skills Partnership and endorsed the decisions and
developments to date.
60/14 Kings Waterfront
Mike Storey declared an
interest in this item and took no part in the discussions.
The Board considered a report on the King’s Waterfront development,
which is one of the top priorities for Liverpool Vision. The
objective of the scheme is to create a world class visitor
destination including a conference, exhibition and arena facility
with car parking infrastructure, new hotels and retail/leisure
facilities, office and residential space.
The Kings Waterfront development will cost £145.57m funded by
English Partnerships, Objective 1, Liverpool City Council and the
Agency.
The Board noted the key risks associated with the scheme.
The Board approved a contribution of £15.448m to the Kings
Waterfront project, subject to DTI/CPRG approval and noted the
proposed methodology of dealing with any required cost
consolidation.
60/15 DEFRA Rural Strategy
The Board
noted the DEFRA refreshed Rural Strategy produced on 21 July 2004
which included a considered response to the Haskins Report.
This will result in £27m of additional funding coming from DEFRA to
the National RDA single pot.
60/16 Report of NWDA Sub Groups
The Board noted the reports from NWDA Sub-Groups.
60/17 Board members feedback
There were no items to report.
60/18 Chairman’s Report
The Board noted the Chairman’s Report
Date and time of the next Board meeting Friday, 8 October
2004
The meeting finished at 15.47