Issue - decisions

RECOMMENDED:      That Council agree to:

(i)           Note and support the findings of the West Yorkshire Review, set out in Annex A of the report, including that a Combined Authority for the area of West Yorkshire, and ultimately including the City of York, would be likely to improve:

§     the exercise of statutory functions relating to economic development, regeneration and transport in the area;

§     the effectiveness and efficiency of transport in the area; and

§     the economic conditions in the area.

(ii)          Consider and support the proposed Scheme for establishing a West Yorkshire Combined Authority, pursuant to Section 109(2) of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act (LDEDCA) 2009.

(iii)        Confirm consent for the City of York Council to becoming a non-constituent member of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, pending assurance from proposed constituent members as to the decisions on which CYC as a non-constituent member will be given voting rights.

(iv)        Authorise the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader and with the other West Yorkshire Authorities to undertake such steps as are necessary to facilitate the submission of the Scheme and CYC’s non-constituent membership of the resulting Combined Authority.

(v)         Pursue full membership for City of York Council, and to consider the full details of this full membership as and when it becomes possible for the Council to join as a full member.

REASON:           To secure greater influence over and opportunity for investment in infrastructure in the City of York.