Agenda item

Philip Clifford, Senior Adviser, introduced item three. 

Philip stated that the report sets out a draft work programme for the 2018/19 political cycle, from September 2018 to July 2019.  Philip gave an overview of the board’s work-streams, and asked members to consider the draft programme.  These work-streams include: the Government’s Industrial Strategy; Local Industrial Strategies; the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) review; Brexit’s impact on local government; devolution for local areas; urban leadership; and, the skills agenda.

The Chair welcomed members to comment:

·         Members of the board requested that Wales is included and referenced in all work, and made particular reference to paragraph 20.3 in this report.

·         The Chair requested officers to further investigate public service reform, ensuring that work is being done through one of the LGA’s governance structures.  This led to a discussion amongst members around residents currently out of work – particularly in the 50-64 year old category.  Members agreed that a joined-up approach in areas such as skills, health, adult social care and education needed to be used to tackle this issue.

·         Members discussed the devolution agenda, and requested that the LGA start giving the Government deadlines to roll-out devolution packages.  Members agreed that the stall in devolution is costing local economies significantly. 

Action and Decision

·         Members noted the report, and agreed that it be confirmed as the City Regions Board’s work programme for 2018/19.

·         Officers to explore further activity related to public service reform as part of the LGA’s wider work programme.