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MINUTES OF THE BOARD MEETING HELD ON 14 DECEMBER 2006 AT RENAISSANCE HOUSE, WARRINGTON

Present: 

Bryan Gray (Chairman)
David Brockbank
Joe Dwek
Martin Harris
Peter Hensman
Pauleen Lane
Dave McCall
John Merry
Marie Rimmer
Anil Ruia
Mike Storey
Maureen Williams

Also Present: 

Steven Broomhead, Chief Executive
Bernice Law, Secretary
Ian Haythornthwaite (Items 85/04, 85/10)
Mark Hughes (Item 85/05)
Patrick White (Item 85/06)
Simon Nokes (Items 85/07, 85/08)


85/01 INTRODUCTION AND APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies were received from John Moverley, Vanda Murray and Brenda Smith.

85/02 MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 14 SEPTEMBER 2006 AND MATTERS ARISING

The minutes were approved as a correct record, subject to the addition of Sir Martin Harris to the list of attendees.

85/03 ACTION POINTS FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS 
 
The Board noted the progress made on the action points from the previous meetings.

85/04 STRATEGIC INVESTMENT PLAN 2007/08 TO 2009/10
 
The Board received a presentation on the outline Strategic Investment Plan (SIP) for the three year period 2007/08 to 2009/10. 

The Board noted that in compiling the document a number of key factors had been taken into account:

  • The potential Impact of CSR 2007. 
  • 5% efficiency savings as required by HM Treasury. 
  • The SIP’s relationship to the RES and the Agency’s Corporate Plan. 
  • The Agency’s Asset Management Strategy 
  • The Agency’s organisational review. 
  • Investment decisions around the Sub Regional Action Plans. 
  • The alignment of the programme with the need to fund transformational activity. 
  • The impact of European funding. 
  • The level of programme to be managed over the period.

The Board noted the ongoing work to finalise the SIP.  This would include consultation with key stakeholders, including the engagement of Sub Regional Partnerships through Board Member and Executive Director Leads.

85/05 NUCLEAR ACADEMY NORTHWEST (FORMERLY THE NUCLEUS CENTRE)
 
The Board was reminded that Nuclear was a key sector for the Northwest region and was identified as a priority in the RES.  As a result of significant changes and complex restructuring the sector was facing substantial challenges, particularly in relation to the skills agenda.

The Board noted that at the end of October 2006, DfES confirmed that the National Skills Academy for Nuclear was one of four successful National Skills Academy (NSA) proposals that would be developed in the second phase of NSAs.  The first delivery arm of the National Nuclear Skills Academy would be the NW Nuclear Academy, thus allowing the region to continue to lead on this national development. The Board noted the progress made to date to develop the NW Nuclear Academy; and received details of the funding package.

The Board approved NWDA investment.

The whole funding package would be managed and monitored by WLR.

85/06 NWDA’S DISABILITY AND EQUALITY SCHEME 2006 TO 2009
 
The Board was reminded that all public bodies had been given a new Disability Equality Duty through the Disability Equality Act which came into force on 4 December 2006.  The Board noted that the legislation required public authorities to publish a Disability and Equality Scheme which confirmed that when carrying out all activities there would be due regard to the need to:

  • Promote equality of opportunity between disabled persons and other persons;
  • Eliminate discrimination that is unlawful under the Act;
  • Eliminate harassment of disabled persons that is related to their disabilities;
  • Promote positive attitudes towards disabled persons;
  • Encourage participation by disabled persons in public life;
  • Take steps to take account of disabled persons’ disabilities, even where that involves treating disabled persons more favourably than other persons.

The Board noted that the Agency had commissioned Breakthrough UK (a Manchester based UK charity run by disabled people) to support the preparation of the NWDA Equality Scheme.  The Board also noted that extensive consultation had taken place in compiling the scheme; and that the NWDA Health and Social Inclusion Sub Committee had reviewed the scheme in detail to ensure that it was fit for purpose.

The Board agreed with the Health and Social Inclusion Sub Committee’s view that the Agency should recognise its regional leadership role in respect of this legislation; and particularly that it should be seen as an exemplar organisation in this respect.  The Board welcomed the fact that the Agency had developed a policy to ensure compliance with the legislation.

The Board endorsed the Agency’s Equality Scheme and approved the Agency’s policy for compliance with the legislation.

85/07 RES BASELINE AND TRANSFORMATIONAL ACTION MONITORING REPORT
 
The Board was reminded that the Agency committed to produce, via the RES Advisory Group, a RES Baseline report which would identify progress against each RES action.  At the meeting the Board received the first report of its kind, which was broken down by each RES factor.

The Board agreed that the baseline report represented considerable progress and noted the areas where further effort was required to clarify exactly how a RES action would be implemented. Work on this would be progressed through 2007.

The Board also received the first Transformational Action (TA) Monitoring Report which outlined the expected progress for each TA in the first six months of 2006/07 against what had actually been achieved for the period.  The Board requested an update on TA monitoring on a half year basis.

The Board approved the Baseline report and the Transformational Action Monitoring report. 

85/08 NWDA MID YEAR PERFORMANCE REPORT

The Board noted: 

  • The Agency’s performance against targets for the first six months of the operational year 2006/07.
  • The progress made to implement the Independent Performance Assessment Action Plan.
  • The Agency’s performance for the period 1 April 2006 to 30 September 2006 in respect of the Corporate Performance Indicators.

The Board noted that the Audit Committee at its next meeting would receive a report on the Agency’s performance in respect of the settlement of invoices.

85/09 CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REPORT

a) Chancellor of Exchequer’s Pre Budget Report 6 December 2006    
The Board received a summary of the Chancellor’s Pre Budget Report (PBR) which he made on 6 December.  Included specifically within the PBR were the results of three major reviews that had implications on the work of RDAS. They were as follows:

Leitch Review    
The Board noted that the Leitch Review set out how the UK should raise its ambitions on skills by committing to stretching objectives for 2020. This included the following aims:

  • 95% of adults to achieve the basic skills of functional literacy and numeracy;
  • Over 90% of adults to be qualified to at least level 2, with a commitment to go further and achieve 95 per cent as soon as possible;
  • Shifting the balance of intermediate skills from level 2 to level 3 and boosting the number of Apprentices to 500,000 a year; and
  • Over 40% of adults to be qualified to level 4 and above, with a commitment to continue progression.

The Board was advised that the review called for a demand led, targeted approach to increasing skills and employment, focusing on outcomes, measuring attainment rather than participation and covering all adults, whilst being based on the development of economically valuable skills.  The Board noted that the Review made a number of recommendations to help the UK reach these objectives which included:

  • The need to strengthen the employers’ voice by creating a new Commission for Employment and Skills; boosting the role of the Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) and increasing employer engagement and investment in skills.
  • Rationalisation of the skills system, placing employers more at its heart and reducing supply-side planning of skills provision.
  • A network of employer-led Employment and Skills Boards, reporting to the Commission.
  • Creating a new integrated employment and skills service, based upon existing structures.
  • Significant streamlining in the LSC and in its work with partners.  The LSC would continue to be responsible for Train to Gain, Learning Accounts and Apprenticeships.
  • SSCs to be reformed, re-licensed and empowered to focus on the development of occupational standards; and raising employer engagement, demand and investment.

Barker Review of Land Use Planning   
The Board noted that the Barker review had considered how planning policy and procedures could better deliver economic growth and prosperity alongside other sustainable development goals.  The Board was advised that there were 32 separate recommendations which seek to:

  • Develop a more responsive Planning System, including recommendations to promote a positive planning culture; continued support for town centres as the preferred location for retail and leisure; and that statutory development plans, including the Regional Spatial Strategy should support economic growth.
  • Make more efficient use of land, including the consideration of enhancing fiscal incentives to ensure efficient use of urban land; encouragement of planning bodies to review green belt boundaries and to be more positive towards applications that would enhance the quality of green belts.
  • Expedite delivery of major new projects, including a new system for dealing with major infrastructure projects and an independent Planning Commission to determine applications.
  • Streamline the Planning System, including streamlining policy and processes by reducing national planning guidance, unifying consent regimes and reforming plan making and reducing the amount of information required to support planning applications.
  • Improve the performance of Local Planning Authorities by extending Permitted Development rights for minor commercial developments; enhancing efficiencies in processing applications through greater partnership working with the private sector; and ensuring local planning authorities and other bodies resource their planning functions adequately.
  • Enhance the Appeals Process by ensuring the Secretary of State decisions are more prompt and focus on important strategic issues; as well as introducing a Planning Mediation Service.
  • Improving incentives.

The Board noted that some of the recommendations would require legislation whilst others could be implemented in 18 months. 
 
Eddington Transport Study  
The Board received a summary of the findings from Sir Rod Eddington’s advice to Government on future transport policy. The main findings were that UK transport infrastructure was broadly in the right place, but was overloaded in supporting the country’s economy.

The Board noted the key headline findings and in particular five specific recommendations:

  • Improve the performance and capacity of existing transport networks in those places that are important to the UK’s economic success.
  • Over the next 20 years, focus investment on the most heavily used and economically significant parts of the network:
  • Adopt a sophisticated policy mix to meet both economic and environmental goals. Policy should get user-charging levels right and make best use of existing networks.
  • Policy must identify the strategic economic priorities, define the problems, consider the full range of modal options including full environmental and social costs and benefits, and ensure spending is focused on the best policies.
  • Ensure the delivery and planning systems are able to meet demand and support policy.

The Board was advised that collectively the RDAs supported the business view that availability and quality of transport played an important role in supporting regional economies.  The Board also received a document which compared the study’s findings and recommendations to the objectives of the RES and the Northern Way.

The Board welcomed Eddington’s call for sub national bodies to have the right mix of powers and responsibilities to deliver an integrated transport strategy.

b) Adding Value to the Regions – report commissioned by the English Regions Network     
The Board noted that in July 2006 the English Regions Network had commissioned consultants Regeneris to conduct research into the functions, impact and strengths of the eight Regional Assemblies. The aim was  to provide analysis of the past, current and potential activities of the Assemblies to form an evidence base as a collective contribution towards the Comprehensive Spending Review.

The Board noted that the report had made six policy recommendations, which included the:

  • Development of Regional Public Service Agreements to provide a framework for the extension of the Regional Funding Advice process and further devolution of decision making responsibilities in England.
  • Extension of the Regional Funding Allocations process to encompass a wider range of policy areas. (e.g. Skills and Employment.)
  • Further integration of Regional Policy Responsibilities, working towards single regional strategies that embrace the complete gamut of economic, social and environmental issues, including formal approval of Regional Economic Strategies by Regional Assemblies.
  • Broadening of Assemblies’ Accountability Function, to include Non Departmental Bodies beyond RDAs.
  • Lead on the implementation of Regional Spatial Strategies.
  • Creation of Regional Transport Boards.

The report also identified the strengths of Regional Assemblies in the context of the CSR 2007 including their:

  • Leadership role in respect of core planning, housing, and transport functions; focus for local authorities and economic and social partners; and a driving force for multi agency working.
  • Membership and decision making processes.

The Board welcomed the fact that the Agency would discuss with the Regional Assembly the findings from the study and the implications for the region.

c) National Scrutiny Guidance    
The Board received a copy of the National Scrutiny Guidance, which had been based on the North West Regional Assembly’s Best Practice Case Study.

d) Education and Training Bill – Implications for the Learning and Skills Council    
The Board was advised that the Education and Training Bill published on 21 November contained a range of measures designed to reform the Further Education system to equip learners with high quality skills for productive, sustainable employment and personal fulfilment; and to ensure that employers have the right skills for their business to succeed in a competitive global economy.

The Board noted that the Bill would enable the Learning and Skills Council to reinforce its role as a strategic partner and included changes to legislation to allow streamlining of the Council’s non executive structures, removing LSC local councils, whilst establishing nine regional councils.

The Chief Executive provided an update on developments within the North West region which included the establishment of Sub Regional Local Skills Boards which would be aligned with the Sub Regional Partnerships; and that during 2007 the LSC Regional Board would merge with the Regional Skills Partnership.
 
e) Economic Impact on Higher Education Institutions   
The Board noted that earlier in the year Universities UK produced a report on the economic impact of Higher Education Institutions (HEI). The study was the third of its kind and presented an up to date analysis of key economic characteristics of UK HEIs.

The Board noted that the report confirmed:

  • That the HEI sector was a substantial industry with a significant impact on the economy; and that over five years the sector had increased its generated economic impact by £10bn (from £35bn to £45bn).
  • That there was a substantial employment effect of Higher Education activity with around 600,000 jobs created through the economy in 2003/04 and of these, some 330,000 people were directly employed by HEIs.
  • The importance to the sector and the wider economy of international students, including the significant impact of the volume of personal off- campus expenditure by these students.

f) Meeting with Margaret Hodge MP, Minister for Industry and the Regions 
The Chief Executive provided feedback from the meeting between RDA Chief Executives and Margaret Hodge, who as part of her Ministerial remit has responsibility for RDAs.  The Board noted that the Minister was keen for RDAs to significantly improve their evaluation and performance arrangements and that she felt that RDAs and DTI should promulgate their successes more effectively.

The Board welcomed the news that the Minister had personally congratulated the Chief Executive on NWDA’s IPA result and that she would visit the region in January 2007.
 
g) Rethinking the Northwest Spatial Economy
The Board was advised that on 29 November the Agency had launched the results of a piece of research work that had been led by Professors Alan Harding and Brian Robson (both nationally recognised experts on city region policy), which added significantly to the regional evidence base and focused on the spatial nature of the Northwest economy.

The research, which had examined the economic relationships between Manchester, Liverpool, Preston and Chester; as well as relationships with economies in adjacent regions (notably Leeds) had been well received by Government and had already made a significant contribution to the Examination in Public for the Regional Spatial Strategy and the Northern Way evidence base.
 
h) Local Enterprise Growth Initiative (LEGI) Round 2   
The Board welcomed the announcement of the region’s successful bids for the LEGI fund (made as part of the Chancellor’s Pre Budget report on 6 December) which were:  Pennine / Lancashire (£23.4m); Blackpool (£10.8m); and Liverpool/ Sefton (£21.8m).

The Board noted that the total amount of investment equated to 37% of the national award and was beyond any other region’s allocation.

The Chief Executive confirmed that the Agency would now work closely with relevant partners to ensure alignment with the RES, Sub Regional Action Plans and the region’s business support arrangements.

i) ERDF and ESF:  Transfer of Management Functions    
The Chief Executive provided an update on the transfer of some of the management functions from Government Office to the RDAs in respect of ERDF and ESF. 

The Board noted that nationally the RDAs had appointed a Structural Funds Co-ordinator and within NWDA a Transition team had been established to ensure that the Agency’s internal processes and systems were configured to run the new programme.

The Board also noted that the NW ERDF programme had been published for formal statutory consultation until 19 February 2007.  The Board welcomed the fact that the ERDF programme showed a close fit with the RES and would help to deliver RES actions.

j) Regional Resilience   
The Board noted that the Agency was represented on the Northwest Regional Resilience Forum, which was chaired by Government Office, and which worked to develop an understanding of the potential disasters that could occur.  The Board was advised that the Agency would represent the RDAs nationally on the UK Civil Contingencies Secretariat.

k) Food and Drink Strategy and Revised Structure    
The Board noted that in parallel with the production of a Food and Drink Strategy for the North West, the Agency had sought to simplify the arrangements for the region’s food and drink businesses to obtain help and support.  The outcome was that one overarching body would be established (to be known as Food NW) which would have specific responsibilities that would include the delivery of the NW Food and Drink Strategy.

The Board was advised that a shadow Board for Food NW had been established, which included representation from private sector food producers and retailers and was chaired by NWDA Board Member Vanda Murray.  The Shadow Board would lead the establishment of Food NW, which would be fully operational from 1 April 2007.  The Board noted that the organisation would be supported by a new NW Food Stakeholder Forum.

l) RDA Independent Performance Assessment    
The Board noted the results from National Audit Office’s performance assessments of ONE North East, South East Development Agency (SEEDA) and South West Regional Development Agency (SWERDA).  
 
m) The Social Enterprise Agenda    
The Board noted that the Agency had been working with the Department of Health’s new Social Enterprise Unit to ensure that guidance issued to Strategic Health Authorities in respect of the Social Enterprise agenda identified RDAs as key partners and to ensure alignment with regional priorities for Social Enterprise. The Board welcomed the news that the Agency had been invited to part of the selection panel to identify a Pathfinder Social Enterprise project for the region.  The Board was advised that the aim of the pathfinder projects was to lead the way in delivering innovative health and social care services.
 
n) New Anfield    
The Chief Executive advised that on 5 December 2006 Liverpool Football Club had announced that Dubai International Capital would undertake a due diligence exercise which could result in a £400m takeover, potentially resulting in the building of a 60,000 seat stadium at Stanley Park. 

o) Airbus A350   
The Chief Executive reported that he was involved in informal discussions with Government regarding possible support for Airbus to develop its new mid range aircraft; and that there was a possibility of a regional support package being provided which would include RDA involvement.

85/10 FINANCE DIRECTOR’S REPORT 
 
The Board noted the Agency’s financial position for the period 1 April 2006 to 31 October 2006.

The Board approved the Agency’s revised forecast for 2006/07, which had been compiled following a detailed review of the Agency’s financial mid year position. 
 
The Board received an update on the implementation of the Agency’s PPP. Final negotiations had taken place with the preferred bidder Ashtenne Industrial Fund and the PPP had been officially implemented on 8 December 2006.
 
The Board noted the delegations for the period 21 October 2006 to 17 November 2006.

85/11 CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

The Chairman reported on the following issues:

Media City     
The Agency had received CPRG and HM Treasury approval for investment in this project. A meeting of BBC Governors was due to take place that day when it was hoped that the value for money of the proposed move would be agreed.

National Bio Medical and Medical Research        
Liverpool had received funding for medical research facilities and the case for Manchester was to be reviewed.

Capital of Culture Ambassador Programme      
Any Board Member who was interested in becoming involved in the programme should let the Chairman know.

Visit by David Sainsbury to the Region      
Lord Sainsbury had visited the region to discuss issues around his new role as advisor to Gordon Brown on Science and Innovation Policy. He was hugely supportive of the work being done in the region, which was an exemplar of Science and Innovation policy achievement.

85/12 MINUTES FROM THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE HEALTH AND SOCIAL INCLUSION SUB COMMITTEE HELD ON 8 NOVEMBER 2006
 
The minutes were noted.
 
85/13 MINUTES FORM THE ENTERPRISE, INNOVATION AND SKILLS SUB COMMITTEE HELD ON 16 NOVEMBER 2006
 
The minutes were noted.

85/14 PRESENTATION FROM JOE MONTGOMERY, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITIES, DCLG
 
 The Board received a presentation from Joe Montgomery which concentrated on three areas around the DCLG Capability Review. He made the following key points:

  • The Department’s areas for improvement centred on People and Partner management.
  • As a Whitehall Department, DCLG had a unique opportunity as a “Department for Place” in respect of how all public policy impacts on “Place”.  He challenged whether DCLG was sharp enough about its place making role and whether it was clear with RDAs on what was required of them.
  • He also challenged whether DCLG made best use of its evidence base in setting goals and analysing programmes. He referred to the development of the performance management framework.
  • He went on to discuss the Local Government White Paper and its potential impact on Local Government in the region.

85/15 DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING 
 
The next meeting will take place at 12.30pm on Thursday 18 January 2007 at NWDA Headquarters, Renaissance House, Warrington.

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