Decision details

To provide an update on streamlining ways of working across the Black Country.

Councillor Ian Brookfield presented the report seeking endorsement to a recommendation from the Association of Black Country Authority Leaders at their meeting on 19 October 2022, to close the Black Country Consortium Ltd. The Consortium, a company limited by guarantee was established by the Black Country local authorities in April 2005. At that time various Black Country wide activities had been established and the creation of a legal entity was felt appropriate for the policy and partnership context in operation across the region. The 2022 Levelling Up White Paper signalled the current shift in policy direction and a significant change in economic development architecture, namely emphasising and empowering local leadership and improving pride of place. This shift provided the latest context for a root and branch review of how streamlining ways of working at a Black Country geography needed to be reflected.

Resolved:

1.    That the closure of the Black Country Consortium Limited be approved.

2.    That the following Association of Black Country Authorities Leaders’ approvals made at their meeting held on 19October 2022 be noted:

a.      Acknowledge the track record and positive contribution enabled by Black Country Consortium Ltd.

b.      A calling of a directors meeting of Black Country Consortium Ltd in January 2023 with a recommendation to voluntary wind up the company at a date to be advised and agreed during 2023.

c.      A commitment to working towards a goal of a clear regional arrangement for data and intelligence clarifying roles and responsibilities and in the interim hosting of Black Country Consortium Economic Intelligence team via Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council who will still continue to provide via a service level agreement data and intelligence to Black Country Councils as required.

d.      A fit for purpose and timely arrangement for a TUPE transfer arrangement for Active Black Country, currently hosted via Black Country Consortium Ltd (BCC Ltd) to an independent entity arrangement, noting local authority hosting offers in principle from the City of Wolverhampton Council and Sandwell MBC.

e.      A potential hosting/ integration of current cultural/ visitor economy expertise by one of the Black Country local authorities.

f.        Historical BCC Ltd company deferred pensioners and pensioners liabilities split as a liability equally across the four Black Country Councils.

g.      A report to individual local authority Cabinets (November/December 2022) to endorse the closure of BCC Ltd.