The Swansea Bay City Region Joint Committee met on Thursday 13 June 2024, approving the appointment of a new co-opted member, endorsing audit findings and an internal audit report, and approving the Swansea Bay City Deal Evaluation Framework. The committee also received updates on the Homes as Power Stations project and the Swansea Bay City Deal Quarterly Portfolio Monitoring.

Swansea Bay City Region Joint Committee Co-Opted Membership

The committee approved the appointment of Dr Neil Wooding as the replacement co-opted member for Hywel Dda University Health Board.

Audit Wales - Assurance & Risk Assessment 2023-24

Gareth Jones from Audit Wales presented the findings of the Assurance & Risk Assessment for 2023-24. The committee received the assessment and agreed to the proposed Action Plan. The assessment concluded that the City Deal's programme management arrangements provide clear insight into the portfolio's progress, with an opportunity for the Joint Committee to formally review these arrangements to ensure they meet future needs and reflect the changing operating environment. While no specific recommendations were made, the report highlighted areas that the Joint Committee had yet to fully resolve.

Swansea Bay City Deal Internal Audit Recommendation Report 2023-24

Matthew Holder presented the findings of the 2023-24 Internal Audit review into the Swansea Bay City Deal Portfolio. The committee endorsed the findings and actions outlined in the report. The audit determined a 'Substantial' assurance rating, indicating a sound system of governance, internal control, financial management, and risk management arrangements. Two recommendations were made, both accepted by management, focusing on enhancing quarterly monitoring reports and ensuring timely grant claim submissions.

Homes as Power Stations (HAPS) Project Update

Oonagh Gavigan, HAPS Project Manager, provided an update on the Homes as Power Stations project. The project aims to facilitate the adoption of energy-efficient design and renewable technologies in housing across the region. Key updates included the launch of the HAPS Financial Incentives Fund, which has awarded funding to 16 projects, and ongoing work on supply chain development and technical monitoring. The project is also focused on encouraging behavioural change, leveraging public and private funding, and increasing skills development. The committee received this update for information.

Swansea Bay City Deal Quarterly Portfolio Monitoring

Jonathan Burnes, Director of Swansea Bay City Deal, presented the Quarterly Portfolio Monitoring Report for Q4 2023-24. The report detailed updates on the portfolio's RAG status, portfolio risks, benefits realisation, financial management, procurement pipeline, and construction impact assessment. Key points included an increase in jobs created and total investment, a residual funding gap of £12.75 million due to construction cost pressures, and slippage in procurements for several projects. The committee received this update for information.

Swansea Bay City Deal Evaluation Framework

Ian Williams, SBCD Portfolio Development Manager, presented the Swansea Bay City Deal Evaluation Framework for approval. The framework details the evaluation arrangements for the portfolio and its constituent programmes and projects, aiming to demonstrate the impact of the City Deal over its lifetime. The framework includes a schedule for portfolio and project evaluations, with three mid-term evaluations and a final evaluation planned. The committee approved the framework.