Decision details

The report of the Head of Regulation and Economic Development with regard to the governance and operational arrangements of the Anglesey Freeport was presented for the Executive’s consideration.

The Chief Executive guided the Executive’s members through the report which set out the issues to be considered and resolved in coming to a determination and agreement on the governance and operational aspects of the Anglesey Freeport. A paper summarising the Council’s position in relation to governance (Anglesey Freeport Governance Options) was attached as Appendix 1 to the report. The Isle of Anglesey County Council will be the Accountable Body for the Anglesey Freeport it being a requirement to designate a local authority as the accountable body as a condition of the Governments. Appendix 2 to the report sets out the role of the Accountable Body as agreed by the Freeport Governing Body which was established under the Interim Collaboration Agreement between the Council and Stena Line following the successful bid for Freeport status. The report also provided an update on the position regarding capital and operational funding and tax sites in the context of preparing the OBC, the issues involved and the next steps. A map of Tax Sites was included as Appendix 3 to the report. It was noted that further reports on these matters would be brought to the Executive in due course as the work progresses and evolves.

It was resolved –

·      To agree that the Isle of Anglesey Council acts as the Accountable Body with the responsibilities as outlined within the report.

·      To delegate authority to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Leader and Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, the Director of Function (Council Business)/Monitoring Officer and Director of Function (Resources) /Section 151 Officer to progress with other partner arrangements for the Anglesey Freeport’s governance structure and to ensure full compliance with appropriate Council governance requirements.

·      That the Executive receive a future report on proposed governance arrangements setting out the Council’s role in the Anglesey Freeport’s governance structure once further progress has been made on the issues outlined in the report.