Purpose

To clarify the respective decision-making responsibilities of the
Weaver Network Board and Combined Authority Board in
relation to financial, investment and operational transport
decisions and to ensure a clear, consistent and robust
approach to determining the appropriate decision making
route.

In particular, the amendments clarify the operation of the £40
million approval threshold within the Weaver Network Board
Terms of Reference and confirm the Investment Board's
authority to determine operational matters, including the
application, continuation, variation or cessation of funding or
subsidy arrangements, where these fall within an approved
budget or funding envelope.

Decision

To approve amendments to the Weaver Network Board Terms
of Reference to clarify their respective decision-making
responsibilities in relation to strategic investment, financial
approvals and operational transport matters.

The amendments to the Investment Board Terms of Reference:

• clarify that the £40 million threshold applies to the aggregate
value of the Combined Authority's financial commitment,
funding, investment or exposure in relation to a scheme,
project or programme, and not to the total value of the wider
scheme;
• provide that related or connected Combined Authority
financial commitments must be considered cumulatively
when assessing whether the threshold is met;
• include provisions to prevent schemes, projects or
programmes being divided, phased or otherwise structured
for the purpose of circumventing the threshold;
• provide that, where there is uncertainty regarding the
application of the threshold or whether commitments are
related or connected, the appropriate approval route shall be
determined by the relevant Director in consultation with the
Monitoring Officer and Section 73 Officer (or their
representatives); and
• make consequential amendments to reflect these changes
throughout the Terms of Reference.

The effect of the amendments is to provide greater clarity
regarding the respective roles of the Weaver Network Board
and the Combined Authority Board. The Weaver Investment
Board remains responsible for strategic investment and
financial approvals within its delegated remit, including the
determination of operational matters and the associated
application, continuation, variation, or cessation of funding or
subsidy where those decisions fall within an approved budget
or funding envelope. Where additional financial provision or an
increase to an approved financial commitment is required, the
appropriate financial approval route will continue to apply.

Alternative options considered

None.