The establishment of Corporate Joint Committees (CJC) represents a significant evolution in local governance in Wales, particularly for us in North Wales.
A CJC is a new regional local government entity, legally constituted under the same laws and regulations as any other public body in Wales. Our North Wales CJC includes representatives from the six constituent councils of Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, Isle of Anglesey, and Wrexham, as well as Eryri National Park for planning matters.
In essence, it is a newly formed local government entity at a regional level with distinct responsibilities and objectives.
In North Wales, the CJC has two primary statutory duties, to develop a Regional Transport Plan and a Strategic Development Plan. These plans are essential for spatial planning at a strategic level, ensuring that our transport infrastructure and land use are aligned with the needs of our communities and the broader region.
In addition to these statutory duties, the CJC has a mandate to promote economic well-being. This focus on economic well-being is crucial as it ensures that we are doing everything possible to support and enhance regional economic development. This means working with our constituent Councils, who retain their economic well-being powers, to agree how we add real value at the regional level.
There is also a strong sense of regional development in our approach, within transport, land use, and economic growth, all intersecting like a well-designed Venn diagram. These components create a cohesive system that aim to ensure that North Wales is well-positioned to provide the skills, employability, and economic opportunities needed for a prosperous future.
One of the keys to the success of our Corporate Joint Committee will be its ability to facilitate collaborative decision-making across boundaries. Unlike a single council, which might be limited in its focus by its jurisdiction, the CJC allows us to, collectively, see beyond these boundaries and recognise that the economy operates on a much broader scale, encompassing a wide range of stakeholders.
The unique strengths of our CJC is its ability to co-opt members, bringing in diverse perspectives and expertise to enhance our strategic planning. This inclusivity provides a tremendous opportunity to shape our region’s future at a more comprehensive level.
While collaboration is a term often used in public policy, doing it well requires significant effort and commitment, particularly within a political context where decisions are often driven by the need to deliver value to specific areas.
However, the power of our CJC in North Wales lies in its ability to bring together these interconnected parts of the system, facilitating dialogue and establishing shared priorities. This collaborative approach allows us to leverage our collective resources more effectively, ultimately providing better frontline services for our public service users.
By working together, we can ensure that we all collectively deliver lasting benefits for the people and communities of North Wales.
