Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

The Chair welcomed all Members and Officers to the meeting.  He advised that apologies for absence had been received from the following Members:

Councillor M Cross – Blaenau Gwent

Councilor N Yeowell – Torfaen

To receive disclosures of personal interest from Members in accordance with the Code of Conduct Note:

1. Members are requested to identify the item number and subject matter that their interest relates to and signify the nature of the personal interest: and

2. Where Members withdraw from a meeting as a consequence of the disclosure of a prejudicial interest they must notify the Chairman when they leave.

In accordance with the code of conduct there were no declarations made pertaining to the agenda

To receive for approval the minutes of the Cardiff Capital Region City Deal Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on the

RESOLVED: To approve the minutes of the 7^th December as a true and accurate record of the meeting

For Members of the Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee to pre-scrutinise the Constitution Review 2024

The Monitoring Officer for the Cardiff Capital Region City Deal presented the report and draft constitution to Members to provide them an opportunity for pre-decision scrutiny of the draft Constitution of the South East Wales Corporate Joint Committee (SEWCJC) prior to consideration by SEWCJC on 18 March 2024. If the arrangements are approved, Regional Cabinet will be asked to formally transfer responsibility for City Deal to the CJC with effective date of 00:01 hours on 1 April 2024

Committee Members welcomed the comprehensive report and acknowledged the complexity that the draft CJC Constitution is a significant document, which requires a significant amount of work and effort to produce and acknowledged that there would be a period of transition from the 1^st April whilst the CCRCD “lifts and shifts” to the new CJC model.

Members of the Committee welcomed the opportunity to support the transition process and recommended that the JOSC review the constitution periodically as a living, working document to ensure it remains relevant and fit for purpose.

The JOSC noted that whilst the CJC is a statutory body, established by legislation, they considered whether there needs to be a specific reference made, that any “winding up” mechanism, would require primary or secondary legislation. 

Members acknowledged that the Corporate Joint Committee will continue to be known as the Cardiff Capital Region to continue to build on established reputation, however, a Member considered for the Local Authorities that sit outside of Cardiff, the name Cardiff Capital Region can have a negative reputation amongst residents, with common misconception that funds are being sent to and used only for the benefit of Cardiff.  The Committee therefore recommended that the reference to Cardiff not specifically be referenced to ensure it is reflective of its regional nature.

Members of the Committee were reassured that from April, the Corporate Joint Committee will have a published Work Programme improving transparency and accountability, but also to support the JOSC in determining items for their own Work Programme, particularly in identifying matters for pre-scrutiny. 

A number of Members emphasised the importance of pre-decision scrutiny to allow for thorough evaluation of options before key decisions are made.  Members therefore recommended that this is explicitly mentioned in the constitution under the role and responsibilities of the JOSC in addition to ensuring there is a clear definition between the role of the Governance and Audit Committee and the JOSC to give a good framework for Members to have a clear understanding of their role. 

Whilst Members acknowledged that Budget reporting for the CJC will sit within the Terms of Reference of the Governance and Audit Committee, as a Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee they felt this should also be considered within their Annual Work Programme.  Members therefore also recommended that there is greater clarity on the role of the deputy members on the JOSC. 

Under Article 4.2, referring the Policy Framework, Members were reassured by the Director to hear that whilst Climate Change is not a Statutory Policy duty this is  ...  view the full minutes text for item 18.

To consider any items, which the Chairman, by reason of special circumstances, is of the opinion should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency.

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