Issue - meetings

Reportby AlistairCunningham, Corporate Director

Councillor Bridget Wayman presented the report which advised Cabinet of a new significant funding opportunity for major road scheme funding, and to seek views on the need to establish associated regional governance.

Matters highlighted in the course of the presentation and discussion included: the views of the council in relation to the inclusion of certain roads in the network; the additional funding that could be accessed; the need to set up a sub-national transport body to enable the region to speak with one voice on strategic transport planning; that other local authorities such as Gloucestershire should be involved; and that a further report could be made to Cabinet in 3 months time.

Resolved

1.    Note the contents of this report.

2.    Delegate responsibility to the Director of Highways and Transport in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Waste to enter into discussions with neighbouring authorities in the South West, to establish:

a)    the level of individual and collective support for establishing a Sub-National Transport Body (or Bodies) and

b)   the geography over which that Body or Bodies are most likely to be most effectively defined.

3.    Note the additional potential financial implications arising as a result of this opportunity, which will require more detailed discussion as the Council’s position is further developed.

Reasons for Decision:

To ensure that the Council is best placed to take advantage of this significant

funding opportunity.