Agenda item

RESOLVED: that

(1)      officers proceed with the negotiation of a City Deal for Cardiff with UK Government, Welsh Government and surrounding authorities and return to Cabinet with a further report before submitting a final proposal.

(2)      engagement with surrounding authorities in SE Wales take place to develop an appropriate local governance structure to support delivery of a City Deal for Cardiff.

(3)      Authority be delegated to the Chief Executive to:

a.   identify a budget and to appoint Specialist Advisors to support delivery of a detailed City Deal proposal for Cardiff

b.   commission a review of the Cardiff Business Council model to put in place appropriate arrangements to support a successful City Deal proposal.

In considering this item, the Leader ruled that by reason of special circumstances, that the item should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency.  Whilst the item was published on the Agenda the Report was only finalised on 30 March and is urgent for decision at this meeting.  The reasons for urgency are as follows:

·                     The reason for this report emanates from the budget announcement relating to the City Deal and the need to be in a position to engage with the Government as soon as the elections are over to ensure that we do not suffer delays in the substantial work required to develop a suitable proposal for a City Deal.  Inaction during the pre-election period will materially prejudice progress of a City Deal

·                     The report from consultants has highlighted the need to engage with the private sector to make a successful City Deal bid and there is an urgent need to undertake a review of the structures in place (including the Cardiff Business Council) to identify any changes/additional work or structures required to be implemented to mobilise that private sector support.

·                     The authority being required are not substantive authorisations in that  much could be done without specific Cabinet approvals but it is appropriate having regard to the potential importance of such an arrangement (including the substantial rewards which may be achieved but also the risks associated) that the decision to proceed should be considered at Cabinet level.

The Cabinet received an update on the recent work to attract a City Deal for Cardiff and it was reported that Cardiff had moved to the stage where it could begin the formal process of negotiation.  It was noted that a City Deal for Cardiff could unlock significant new money to support capital investment in major infrastructure priorities for the city-region and there would be a significant role for the local business community and therefore authority to undertake a review of the Cardiff Business Council to ensure the approach is best aligned to deliver its city promotion remit in addition to supporting the delivery of a City Deal was sought

RESOLVED: that

(1)      officers proceed with the negotiation of a City Deal for Cardiff with UK Government, Welsh Government and surrounding authorities and return to Cabinet with a further report before submitting a final proposal.

(2)      engagement with surrounding authorities in SE Wales take place to develop an appropriate local governance structure to support delivery of a City Deal for Cardiff.

(3)      Authority be delegated to the Chief Executive to:

a.   identify a budget and to appoint Specialist Advisors to support delivery of a detailed City Deal proposal for Cardiff

b.   commission a review of the Cardiff Business Council model to put in place appropriate arrangements to support a successful City Deal proposal.