Decision details

Kathryn Molloy, Head of Service LEP Coordination, presented a report on proposed amendments to the LEP Transport for Lancashire Committee's Terms of Reference and in particular the Accountability Framework for Transport schemes set out at Appendix A to the report.

The Committee was advised that the current Terms of Reference, part of the LEP's Assurance Framework, do not allow the LEP to fund scheme development and preparation costs nor any post scheme monitoring and evaluation.  It was felt that this was inconsistent with the other two themes of the Growth Deal programme covering skills and economic projects, where scheme preparation costs are permissible as part of the local contribution.

It was therefore proposed to amend the Terms of Reference to allow scheme sponsors to use a proportion of Growth Deal funding to support scheme preparation and development.  It was further proposed that the minimum 10% local contribution that scheme sponsors are required to provide would also include scheme preparation and development costs in addition to capital costs as currently approved.

It was noted that the proposed changes in respect of transport schemes would bring the management and delivery of the Growth Deal programme and scheme delivery into alignment.  Local contributions would continue to be considered on a scheme by scheme basis to ensure that value for money is achieved.

The Committee was advised that if they were minded to approve the proposed changes, these would be reflected in the LEP's Assurance Framework which is currently being reviewed and updated by officers. It was noted that named officers would be removed from the document as part of the review. It was proposed to present the revised Assurance Framework to the LEP Board on 30 January for consideration and approval. 

Resolved: That:

(i)  The proposed changes to the Committee's Terms of Reference in respect of the Accountability Framework for Transport schemes as set out at Appendix A be approved; and

(ii)  The proposed changes be included with the LEP's Assurance Framework to be presented to the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership Board on 30 January 2018 for consideration and approval.