Issue - meetings

The Chief Executive updated Members on the outcome of the MCA review.

3 key areas for improvement had emerged from the review:

·         Strategic priorities and focus

To provide a stronger strategic focus, the following priority policy areas were identified:

o    Economic Growth;

o    Travel & Transport;

o    Net Zero & Environment;

o    Infrastructure & Housing;

o    Education, Training & Skills;

o    Best Start in Life;

o    Health Inequalities;

o    Creative, Culture & Digital

·         Governance, leadership and partnership

The new governance model would be more transparent, streamline decision making and enhance relationships between the MCA, our Local Authorities and wider partners. The Mayor and Leaders would each assume responsibility for portfolios aligned with the priority policy areas. The MCA Chief Executive and Executive Directors would provide support to portfolio holders, along with the Local Authority Chief Executives.

·         Performance and delivery

The assurance process had been redesigned to accelerate delivery across all MCA programmes. The process had been simplified to increase agility and included greater support for local authorities.

ACTION: The Chief Executive to provide a progress update on the new governance model at the December meeting.

The Executive Director of Resources & Investment observed that this could also be used to determine the scope of the internal audit of governance, which was due to be undertaken in January.

RESOLVED that the MCA paper be noted.

(The Chief Executive left the meeting.)