Issue - meetings

Matter for Decision

The report provides an update on the activities of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) since the 8 October meeting of Strategy & Resources Scrutiny Committee.

Decision of Executive Councillor for Strategy and External Partnerships

i.      Noted the update on issues considered at the meetings of the Combined Authority held on 31 October 2018, 28 November 2018 and 30 January 2019.

Reason for the Decision

As set out in the Officer’s report.

Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Not applicable.

Scrutiny Considerations

The Committee received a report from the Chief Executive and noted Appendix C (decision sheet for CPCA meeting 30.01.19) which was circulated at the meeting.

Councillor Herbert said the following in response to Members’ questions:

     i.        A business plan for the CPCA had been included within the January Board agenda, but it may not have been heavily publicised.  This included 12 projects which the CPCA had prioritised, which may not all directly benefit Cambridge. 

    ii.        Commented that the CPCA still needed to recruit permanent key officers including the Chief Executive and Director of Finance.

   iii.        Cambridge had a lot to gain with the CPCA.

  iv.        Commented that there needed to be clearer leadership at the CPCA.

   v.        Had been challenging the work of the CPCA with South Cambs District Council.

  vi.        Commented that the CPCA could not sustain spending £7million on staff and overheads

 vii.        Questioned whether the CPCA was delivering for businesses and the Cambridge and Peterborough economy since the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) was incorporated within the CPCA.

viii.        Commented on the CPCA’s inconsistent decisions regarding confidential papers and reports.

The Committee noted the report.

Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Executive Councillor (and any Dispensations Granted)

No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive Councillor.