Agenda item

Ian Hughes, Head of Policy, introduced the Board’s Work Programme for 2015/16. He drew members’ attention to paragraph 10, which sets out a number of strategic issues for members to consider when establishing the work programme for the coming year. He also suggested that the Board might want to shape priorities around how it can best work with councils at the coalface of the devolution agenda.

Members agreed the following:

·         That a review of the Board should be inserted into the Work Programme for 2015/16, as discussed in the previous Board meeting.

·         This review should cover how combined authorities and metro mayors will fit into the structure of the Board, and should be informed by discussions with advisors from the four constituencies from which Board membership is drawn.

Members discussed:

·         The possibility of supporting research currently being scoped by Core Cities on economic inclusion.

·         The importance of tying in the Work Programme with a clear communications strategy on the benefits of devolution to city regions.