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RESOLVED to note the update.
RESOLVED to note the salient points in the report.
RESOLVED · To note that the Governance and Reporting Strategy was initially approved in February 2025 as Version 1.1. · To note the key changes introduced through the review and finalisation of the strategy, as summarised in this report. · To agree that the strategy be reviewed annually by the Portfolio Management Office (PoMO), or earlier where required by changes to governance, delivery requirements or host authority policy.
RESOLVED to note the 2025/26 Outturn position for the GMW Budget, as outlined in Appendix 1.
RESOLVED · To note the Audit Wales Audit Plan 2026 for the Growing Mid Wales Board. · To note that, for 2025-26, the Joint Committee is required to prepare a full set of accounts rather than an Annual Return, and that Audit Wales will undertake a full audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing. · To note the planned audit timetable, key audit risks and estimated audit fee. · To agree that the Portfolio Management Office and Section 151 Officer continue to work with Audit Wales to support timely completion of the audit.
RESOLVED · To note the first Mid Wales Growth Deal Annual Governance Statement for 2025/26. · To note that the draft AGS had been submitted to Audit Wales alongside the 2025/26 Growing Mid Wales Statement of Accounts by 30 June 2026. · To note that the AGS and Statement of Accounts would be presented to the Growing Mid Wales Board for approval in late September 2026, following conclusion of the external audit. · To note that the AGS would be reviewed and maintained regularly in future years as part of the wider governance and assurance framework.
RESOLVED · To note the updated PAR action plan at Appendix 8.2. · To note that nine of the ten recommendations have been completed and closed. · To note that the remaining recommendation, relating to lessons learned from Tranche One, remains in progress and will continue through the early delivery stage. · To agree that the remaining open action continues to be monitored through established programme governance arrangements.
RESOLVED to note the report for information only.
RESOLVED · To note the approach and timetable for the annual SPBC refresh. · To note that work with Hatch has commenced, the timetable has been confirmed, and information gathering is underway.
RESOLVED to approve the introduction of the Mid Wales Growth Deal Project Benefits Register as a central mechanism for recording, monitoring and reporting project benefits across the portfolio.
RESOLVED To exclude the public and press from the meeting.
RESOLVED to approve the change requests submitted by the CymruTech Project as outlined in the report. 16.2 Change Request Report – MCRtN The Board considered change requests submitted by the MCRtN Project. RESOLVED to approve the change requests submitted by the MCRtN Project as outlined in the report. 16.3 Change Request Report - APBE The Board considered change requests submitted by the APBE Project. RESOLVED to approve the change requests submitted by the APBE Project as outlined in the report.
The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting. Apologies were received from: · Councillor Catrin M S. Davies, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Customer Services, CCC · Councillor James Gibson Watts, Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys, PCC · Alan Morris, Corporate Lead Officer: Customer Contact, ICT and Digital, CCC · Alexandra McDonald, Policy Advisor - Regional Growth, UK Government in Wales · Angharad Massow, Senior Communications Officer, CCC/GMW · Daniel Burgess, Head of Economy and Climate, PCC · Elin Prysor, Corporate Lead Officer: Legal and Governance and Monitoring Officer, CCC · Mari Thomas, Head of Finance, PCC · Huw Bryer, Deputy Director, UK Government in Wales · Jeffrey Harries, Corporate Manager: Legal Services and Deputy Monitoring Officer, CCC
There were no declarations of personal interest reported.
The minutes of the last meeting held on 18 June 2026 were agreed as a correct record, subject to amending the name of the Chair of the last meeting on the attendance list to Councillor Bryan Davies, as both Leaders were noted. DP provided an update to the Actions in item 4 of the minutes: · RSP Manager to report back on feedback from those who had attended the Career Connections programme All 577 pupils who had participated had received a survey. From the feedback, 60% of pupils indicated that they had not considered their career options before the session; however, the session had prompted them to consider their next steps. 30% had not changed their views as they were aware of their next steps, whilst 10% remained undecided. The interaction with young people proved positive and had provoked their thought process. · Portfolio Senior Responsible Officer to discuss priorities with the RSP Manager It was noted that the creative sector was an emerging industry, but it was not yet viewed as a priority in Mid Wales and therefore, would be monitored and discussed as required. Regarding the gap in innovation and entrepreneurship, the focus was on ensuring businesses and people were connected, although there was still work to be done. · Portfolio Senior Responsible Officer to discuss what support could be offered to pupils on exam results days and for consideration of the opportunities in local government and other public sector bodies with the RSP Manager Careers Wales had been requested to attend schools on results day; however, as there were issues with capacity, Youth Workers would be asked to attend to ensure pupils could be directed to the correct places. The Chair noted Councillor Bryan Davies had raised the matter as it was an opportunity to guide people to a career in local government.
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RESOLVED to note the update.
The Board considered the update on the progress of the RSP in addressing the six priorities identified due to the Employment and Skills Plan Development in 2024. An overview of the purpose, the strategic context, misalignment between Mid Wales and Welsh Government’s priority sectors and the key challenges such as the “missing middle” (Levels 4-5), skills misalignment, SME engagement barriers and rural accessibility was provided. The Chair suggested it was important that a discussion be held on who held responsibility for discussing the misalignment between priority sectors with the relevant people when appropriate. Action – Discussion on responsibility for further constructive dialogue to take place in due course. BD stated in relation to the skills misalignment in the agriculture sector, any support to the new courses commencing at Llettytwppa Farm, Lampeter would be much appreciated. DP clarified there was engagement with CCC and University of Wales Trinity Saint David on the development and gaps in the sector. He added that he had spoken to the relevant officer on how to improve support to SMEs around apprenticeships. EP noted that DP had recently provided a presentation to the Future Pathways Programme which had been well received by several significant partners in attendance, and they were in a position to map the pathways to ensure young people and skills could be connected. A presentation was also provided by Cardiff Commitment. She thanked DP for presenting the strategic picture to various forums. The Chair stated it was key to use the investment to drive apprenticeships and training opportunities and that Elected Members had sufficient information to drive opportunities where possible. BD added that it was key to remember that public bodies such as local authorities had excellent career opportunities too. During discussions on the “missing middle” (Levels 4-5) and the economic opportunities to develop careers in Mid Wales, CJE noted there would be discussions at the 2026 Royal Welsh Show and key messages would be presented to Welsh Government on these matters. BR added that it was important to be mindful and to not become complacent with the availability of Level 3 courses, as there were concerns. The Chair and DP noted there was a need to drive a change with NPTC Group of Colleges and others. An overview of the Strategic Priorities as outlined in the report was provided. RESOLVED to note the update.
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RESOLVED to note the salient points in the report.
The Board considered the strategic update related to the Mid Wales Growth Deal Portfolio. CJE reported that the overall position of the Portfolio remained broadly consistent with the previous reporting period. Across the Portfolio, activity continued to progress, with projects advancing through governance and assurance processes and several schemes maintaining forward momentum into delivery. However, the transition from development into delivery continued to expose pressures around capacity, funding and external dependencies, which affected the pace of progress in some areas. The PoMO was aware of the position of each project and would continue to monitor the situation closely over the summer. NC reported there were no major changes in the RAG Status of projects. Whilst there were some increasing trends within the RADIO at a Portfolio level, these were largely attributable to a re-categorisation and refinement of impact - most notably in relation to match funding and resourcing. These did not represent a material change in the underlying risk position but rather provided greater clarity on the nature of the dependencies affecting delivery. An overview of the status of the projects was provided. It was noted that the impact following a change in Senedd’s political leadership was currently unknown, with also a wider risk in relation to the UK Government political leadership, current economic conditions and geopolitical instability. The situation would be monitored closely and discussed appropriately with projects. RESOLVED to note the salient points in the report.
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RESOLVED · To note that the Governance and Reporting Strategy was initially approved in February 2025 as Version 1.1. · To note the key changes introduced through the review and finalisation of the strategy, as summarised in this report. · To agree that the strategy be reviewed annually by the Portfolio Management Office (PoMO), or earlier where required by changes to governance, delivery requirements or host authority policy.
The Board considered the updated Mid Wales Growth Deal (MWGD) Governance and Reporting Strategy as part of the annual review and update cycle and the key changes proposed. RESOLVED · To note that the Governance and Reporting Strategy was initially approved in February 2025 as Version 1.1. · To note the key changes introduced through the review and finalisation of the strategy, as summarised in this report. · To agree that the strategy be reviewed annually by the Portfolio Management Office (PoMO), or earlier where required by changes to governance, delivery requirements or host authority policy.
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RESOLVED to note the 2025/26 Outturn position for the GMW Budget, as outlined in Appendix 1.
The Board considered the update on the GMW Outturn position for 2025/26. DH reported that the total cost of the Portfolio Management Office during the year was £546k, against an approved budget of £869k. This was funded mainly by a 2.7% topslice from GMW funding, along with £100k from each of Powys and Ceredigion Councils, £6k from Regional Skills Partnership - Business News Wales and £15,603 from WG - Private Sector Investment & Pipeline Development. The third tranche worth £11.857m of Growth Deal Funding was received on 16/03/26. The total expenditure against approved Mid Wales Growth Deal Projects was £436k during the year, with funding provided to the Digital Programme, the Commercial Property Programme and the CAT- Cynefin Phase 1A. Cumulative Mid Wales Growth Deal funds held as at 31/03/26 were £26.4m. Following the Board’s approval, the CAT - Cynefin Project had received £37,500 and Aberystwyth University - Green Futures Innovation Park had received £12,500 of funding. Funds held in the GMW Financing Equalisation reserve as at 31/03/26 were £912k. It was reported that the Statement of Account for the GMW Joint Committee for 2025/26 had been submitted to Audit Wales by 30/06/26 as required. RESOLVED to note the 2025/26 Outturn position for the GMW Budget, as outlined in Appendix 1.
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RESOLVED · To note the Audit Wales Audit Plan 2026 for the Growing Mid Wales Board. · To note that, for 2025-26, the Joint Committee is required to prepare a full set of accounts rather than an Annual Return, and that Audit Wales will undertake a full audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing. · To note the planned audit timetable, key audit risks and estimated audit fee. · To agree that the Portfolio Management Office and Section 151 Officer continue to work with Audit Wales to support timely completion of the audit.
LE presented the Audit Wales Audit Plan 2026, covering the audit approach for the Growth Deal for the 2025-26 financial year. A key change for 2025-26 was that the Joint Committee had reached the thresholds in the Accounts and Audit (Wales) Regulations 2014 that required the preparation of a full set of accounts. This was a material change from the previous annual return approach and increased the audit requirements, level of testing and associated audit fee. As set out in the Action Plan under the Financial Audit Work, Materiality would be determined once the draft accounts were received. The Audit Plan confirmed that planning materiality would be based on 2% of gross expenditure from the 2025-26 draft financial statements, with a reporting threshold of 5% of materiality. Lower materiality levels would apply to senior officer remuneration and related party disclosures as these areas are material by nature and of particular public interest. The estimated audit fee for 2026 was £21,172 excluding VAT. This comprised £14,280 for the financial statements audit and £6,892 for performance audit work. LE confirmed that the accounts had been received on time, and she was confident Audit Wales would deliver the audit before the September deadline. GJ explained that in relation to the Performance Audit Work, the Auditor General was required to satisfy himself that the Board had made proper arrangements for securing economy, efficiency and effectiveness in its use of resources. For 2026-27, Audit Wales would undertake an assurance and risk assessment to inform its view on proper arrangements and shape any future audit work. Audit Wales aimed to substantially complete the planned performance audit work by the end of June 2027, with exact timescales to be agreed with officers. Following a query by the Chair, LE clarified that the planning materiality based on 2% of gross expenditure guided their work and was a standard approach by Audit Wales. EE stated from a performance element, proportionality was critical, as the Growth Deal was already held to account through bureaucracy. He added that as the threshold to submit a full set of accounts had been reached, the requirements and accountability to Audit Wales had increased and there was a danger that more time was spent focusing on the bureaucracy of governing the growth deal, as opposed to the benefits of delivery. He pleaded for a sensible and proportional approach by Audit Wales as they moved forward with their work given the scale of the Growth Deal and as he did not wish to occupy officer nor Audit Wales’ time more than required. EP stated she echoed the comments. LE noted she would convey the feedback to Audit Wales. RESOLVED · To note the Audit Wales Audit Plan 2026 for the Growing Mid Wales Board. · To note that, for 2025-26, the Joint Committee is required to prepare a full set of accounts rather than an Annual Return, and that Audit Wales will undertake a full audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing. · To note the planned audit timetable, key audit risks and estimated audit fee. · To agree that the Portfolio Management Office and Section 151 Officer continue to work with Audit Wales to support timely completion of the audit.
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RESOLVED · To note the first Mid Wales Growth Deal Annual Governance Statement for 2025/26. · To note that the draft AGS had been submitted to Audit Wales alongside the 2025/26 Growing Mid Wales Statement of Accounts by 30 June 2026. · To note that the AGS and Statement of Accounts would be presented to the Growing Mid Wales Board for approval in late September 2026, following conclusion of the external audit. · To note that the AGS would be reviewed and maintained regularly in future years as part of the wider governance and assurance framework.
The Board considered the first Annual Governance Statement (AGS) for the Mid Wales Growth Deal for 2025/26. A full AGS had been produced for the first time as the 2025/26 Growing Mid Wales accounts now exceeded the relevant audit thresholds and required a full Statement of Accounts rather than the previous short Annual Return process. The AGS provided assurance on the governance arrangements supporting the Growth Deal, including portfolio governance, assurance, audit, risk management and continuous improvement arrangements and included an action plan setting out areas for further strengthening during 2026/27, including governance documentation, external assurance, benefits reporting and accountable body controls. RESOLVED · To note the first Mid Wales Growth Deal Annual Governance Statement for 2025/26. · To note that the draft AGS had been submitted to Audit Wales alongside the 2025/26 Growing Mid Wales Statement of Accounts by 30 June 2026. · To note that the AGS and Statement of Accounts would be presented to the Growing Mid Wales Board for approval in late September 2026, following conclusion of the external audit. · To note that the AGS would be reviewed and maintained regularly in future years as part of the wider governance and assurance framework.
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RESOLVED · To note the updated PAR action plan at Appendix 8.2. · To note that nine of the ten recommendations have been completed and closed. · To note that the remaining recommendation, relating to lessons learned from Tranche One, remains in progress and will continue through the early delivery stage. · To agree that the remaining open action continues to be monitored through established programme governance arrangements.
The Board considered the progress and the updated position against the Programme Assurance Review (PAR) action plan for the Commercial Property Investment Fund, following the independent review undertaken in December 2025. The review received an amber rating and made ten recommendations to strengthen delivery, governance, assurance and resilience. Following the presentation of the initial action plan to the Portfolio Delivery Board in February 2026, significant progress had been made to address the recommendations and embed improvements within Fund delivery arrangements. RESOLVED · To note the updated PAR action plan at Appendix 8.2. · To note that nine of the ten recommendations have been completed and closed. · To note that the remaining recommendation, relating to lessons learned from Tranche One, remains in progress and will continue through the early delivery stage. · To agree that the remaining open action continues to be monitored through established programme governance arrangements.
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RESOLVED to note the report for information only.
The Board considered the updated version of the Mid Wales Growth Deal Communications Protocol (June 2026), and following an internal review and feedback, the key amendments made to the previous version approved in March 2025. The Board noted that expanding the section on pre-election and publicity rules, updating spokesperson details and minor clarifications and consistency edits would strengthen clarity, ensure accuracy, and reflect current governance and communications requirements of the protocol. RESOLVED to note the report for information only.
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RESOLVED · To note the approach and timetable for the annual SPBC refresh. · To note that work with Hatch has commenced, the timetable has been confirmed, and information gathering is underway.
The Board considered the annual refresh of the Strategic Portfolio Business Case (SPBC), including the agreed timetable, focus of the refresh and assurance planning arrangements. The SPBC remained the overarching business case for the Growth Deal portfolio and provided assurance to UK Government and Welsh Government that the portfolio remained strategically aligned, deliverable, affordable and focused on benefits realisation. RESOLVED · To note the approach and timetable for the annual SPBC refresh. · To note that work with Hatch has commenced, the timetable has been confirmed, and information gathering is underway.
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RESOLVED to approve the introduction of the Mid Wales Growth Deal Project Benefits Register as a central mechanism for recording, monitoring and reporting project benefits across the portfolio.
The Board considered the progress made to date and the proposed next steps in relation to the introduction of the Mid Wales Growth Deal Project Benefits Register. At present, there was no central repository in place for projects to record, store and monitor their forecast benefits in a consistent manner across the Mid Wales Growth Deal portfolio. The introduction of the register would support improved visibility of anticipated project outcomes and enable benefits information to be reported through the Board’s Highlight Reports, strengthen oversight and portfolio-level reporting arrangements. In response to concerns related to duplication of work, it was noted that this was not the case, and essentially, it was presenting data and project updates more visually. RESOLVED to approve the introduction of the Mid Wales Growth Deal Project Benefits Register as a central mechanism for recording, monitoring and reporting project benefits across the portfolio.
None.
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RESOLVED To exclude the public and press from the meeting.
· 4 August 2026 (2 – 4pm) – Portfolio Delivery Board · 13 August 2026 (2 – 4pm) – Digital Programme Board · 20 August 2026 (2 – 5pm) – GMW Board EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC Members were requested, when dealing with the following items on the agenda to consider whether to exclude the public from the Meeting. RESOLVED To exclude the public and press from the meeting.
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RESOLVED to approve the change requests submitted by the CymruTech Project as outlined in the report. 16.2 Change Request Report – MCRtN The Board considered change requests submitted by the MCRtN Project. RESOLVED to approve the change requests submitted by the MCRtN Project as outlined in the report. 16.3 Change Request Report - APBE The Board considered change requests submitted by the APBE Project. RESOLVED to approve the change requests submitted by the APBE Project as outlined in the report.
16.1 Change Request Report - CymruTech The Board considered change requests submitted by the CymruTech Project. RESOLVED to approve the change requests submitted by the CymruTech Project as outlined in the report. 16.2 Change Request Report – MCRtN The Board considered change requests submitted by the MCRtN Project. RESOLVED to approve the change requests submitted by the MCRtN Project as outlined in the report. 16.3 Change Request Report - APBE The Board considered change requests submitted by the APBE Project. RESOLVED to approve the change requests submitted by the APBE Project as outlined in the report.
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