The South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee (SWWCJC) met to discuss the Regional Economic Delivery Plan, approve the annual return, and review financial monitoring reports. The committee approved the Regional Economic Delivery Plan Mid Term Review, approved the Pre-Audit Annual Return for year ended 2024/25, and noted the verbal progress report on the Regional Transport Plan development.

Here's a breakdown of the key discussion points:

Regional Economic Delivery Plan Review

The committee approved the Regional Economic Delivery Plan (REDP) Mid Term Review, which assesses the region's economic performance and sets priorities up to 2030. The REDP aims to create an economy that is:

• Resilient and sustainable
• Enterprising and ambitious
• Balanced and inclusive

These ambitions are supported by three missions:

• Establishing South West Wales as a UK leader in renewable energy and the development of a net-zero economy
• Building a strong, resilient, and embedded business base
• Growing and sustaining the 'experience' offer

The Mid Term Review confirmed the validity of these ambitions and missions. It also highlighted the need for renewed focus on:

• Employment and skills
• Sustainable connectivity
• Sites and premises

The review considered the UK Government's Modern Industrial Strategy, noting that South West Wales has assets of leading national significance in clean energy, with potential for growth in advanced manufacturing, digital technologies, creative industries and life sciences.

South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee Annual Return 2024/25

The committee approved the Pre-Audit Annual Return for year ended 2024/25. The SWWCJC's expenditure for 2024/25 was £378,000. Levies raised on the four constituent local authorities generated income of £556,000. A Welsh Government grant of £100,000 was received to support the Regional Transport Sub Committee. The outturn showed an underspend of £332,400, which was transferred to the SWWCJC's reserves.

Key points from the report included:

• The Accountable Body was overspent by £2,300 due to external audit fees incorporating a performance audit.
• Support services were underspent by £47,000 because the budgeted Senior Accountant post remained vacant.
• Sub-committee expenditure was underspent by £220,000 due to a lack of activity across all four sub-committees, as well as planning and programme management.
• The Regional Management Office was underspent by £73,000.
• There was no expenditure against the consultancy and specialist advisor pots, as well as printing, translation and ICT equipment budgets not being used.

After incorporating the balance brought forward from previous years (£843,000) and interest earned (£55,000), the SWWCJC had £1.176 million in reserves.

Members discussed the vacant Senior Accountant post and whether the responsibilities could be absorbed by existing staff. Officers responded that the current allocation of time was divided between the Swansea Bay City Region and the SWWCJC, but there may be scope to adjust responsibilities. The Chief Operating Officer, once appointed, would review the staffing structure.

South West Wales Regional Transport Plan

The committee received a verbal progress report on the Regional Transport Plan (RTP). Officers were preparing to submit the RTP to Welsh Government on 25 July 2025, with formal endorsement expected around October.

A public consultation had been conducted, with 900 responses received. Concerns were raised about the level of active travel proposed and the capability of the bus and rail network. Statutory consultations were undertaken with Natural Resources Wales¹ and Cadw[^3].

One key amendment to the RTP was the relocation of national schemes, specifically rail and trunk road schemes, from the regional Delivery Plan into the main body of the RTP.

Welsh Government had issued indicative funding guidelines of £38 million to £40 million per annum. The current RTP proposal exceeded this, with year one funding requirements estimated at £47 million. Four major schemes had been identified across the region, with potential combined expenditure exceeding £100 million.

The Chair of the Regional Transport Sub-Committee noted the ongoing uncertainty surrounding grant funding from Welsh Government and expressed disappointment that no rail projects were announced for South West Wales following the recent comprehensive spending review.

The Chair of the Private Sector Advisory Board (PSAB), Mr Mark John, confirmed the Board's support for the development of the RTP, recognising transport as a critical factor in stimulating economic growth.

Swansea Bay City Deal - The Future of the Programme/Portfolio Management Office (POMO)

Officers provided details on a report to be placed before the Swansea Bay City Deal regarding the future of the Programme/Portfolio Management Office (POMO). The review included consideration of how City Deal activities might be better aligned with the SWWCJC to support the long-term sustainability of services. Members were advised of the importance of being aware of this development, particularly if the Programme Board opts to pursue one of the proposed options, as this will directly impact the SWWCJC.

Other Matters

The committee also:

• Noted the Forward Work Programme.
• Confirmed there were no urgent items.
• Agreed to exclude the public from discussion of appendices 10 and 11 of the Regional Transport Plan, which were exempt under Paragraph 14 of the Local Government Act 1972.