Agenda item

Cllr Sue Murphy introduced the report which provided background on LGA activity to influence EU funding for 2014 – 2020 and the Board’s views on next steps.  In doing so she: noted the activities still to be undertaken and issues to be resolved prior to the funds going live in January 2015; emphasised the importance that the role of local partners should not be diluted; and drew attention to lobbying activities to ensure that the successor to the shadow Growth Programme Board (GPB) be a decision making body. 

In the discussion that followed, Members made a number of comments, including:

·        The important role of the GPB and the need for robust governance arrangements to scrutinise performance and spend.  The need to review the LGA’s membership and ensure political balance was also discussed.  Given the critical stage in the process and the need for continuity, it was agreed that a membership review take place when the successor body to the shadow Board took form. 

·        There was a strong feeling that whilst Technical Assistance should be held and used locally, the financial burden should not fall on local partners.

·        With reference to a current council-run ESF cofinancing programmes, a Member asked that the LGA put on record its support for their continuation within LEP arrangements in the 2014-2020 round, but that given securing match funding will be difficult, national agencies could be encouraged to provide match.

Decision

That the Board noted the report and that their views inform the direction of the Board’s EU funding work stream.