Decision details

The report of the Head of Regulation and Economic Development which provided an update on the Anglesey Freeport Programme in relation to the legal and commercial arrangements with Stena Line was presented for the Executive’s consideration. The report at Appendix 1 included an Initial Collaboration Agreement (ICA) between the Isle of Anglesey County Council (IoACC) and Stena Line.

The Economic Development Manager advised that the ICA is an interim agreement to establish the formal relationship between IoACC and Stena Line to allow them to oversee the work required to develop the Outline Business Case and the Full Business Case for the Anglesey Freeport. Under the ICA, the Council and Stena Line will develop their approach to the form and structure of the relationship for the operational phase of the Freeport. This will involve consideration by the Council of its role as local authority and governance arrangements. These will help determine the nature and content of the longer-term arrangements between the Council and Stena Line for the setting up and delivery of the Anglesey Freeport.  Authority is sought to enter into the Initial Collaboration Agreement between IoACC and Stena Line.

The Economic Development Manager highlighted that some aspects of the arrangements are subject to the publication of the Welsh guidance and will be reviewed when that is issued.

In considering the report the Executive discussed the governance arrangements and how representation on the Freeport Governing Body would be determined, the sites that could benefit from the Freeport as designated tax and/or custom sites and the factors involved, and the limitations placed on current decision-making by the lack of guidance. The Executive was advised that the agreement for which authority is being sought is an initial agreement to enable matters to be progressed to the OBC and FBC stages and that the Executive would be provided with updates as other matters emerge and develop.

It was resolved to approve entering into the Initial Collaboration Agreement between IACC and Stena Line included at Appendix 1 to the report.