Agenda item

To consider a report by the Lead Member for Environment, Roads & Parks.

The Committee considered a report by the Dorset County Council Cabinet Members for Natural and Built Environment, and Economy, Education, Learning and Skills in relation to the formation and membership of a Sub-national Transport Body (STB) by entering an informal partnership with other authorities as agencies responsible for infrastructure investment as a body to influence strategic transport investment.  There were two Sub-national Transport Bodies that Dorset Council could join which had the same broad remit and focus, the Western Gateway STB and the South West Peninsula STB.

Members expressed a range of views regarding membership of each STBs, and whilst recognising that it was imperative to become a member of one of them, and be an associate member of the other, there was a divergence of opinion regarding which one to join.  Strong views were expressed regarding the rural linkages and advantages to the South West Peninsula, whilst there was an important need to focus on the north/south M4 corridor which was part of the Western Gateway priorities.  Those in favour of either STB felt that their preference would be the best model to influence Government and attract investment.  It was noted that the issue had been discussed in detail at a recent Leaders and Chief Executive’s meeting where there had been a preference expressed towards the Western Gateway STB.  The Committee was encouraged by the Lead Member for Communities to view the opportunity positively as the Dorset Council would be an influential partner in either STB and would continue to have constructive relationships across the whole region.

At the end of the discussion Cllr Gary Suttle proposed that Dorset Council join the Western Gateway STB and become and associate member of the South West Peninsula.  The proposal was seconded by Cllr Spencer Flower.  On being put to the vote the proposal was agreed. 

Decision

That Dorset Council agree to:

1. Join an informal partnership forming the shadow sub-national transport body for the Western Gateway, subject to Government agreeing with that proposal, and subject to formal agreement of a final terms of reference in due course and cost of membership.

2. Become an associate member of the shadow subnational transport body for the South West Peninsula, which will also operate initially as an informal partnership, subject to agreeing appropriate terms of reference in due course and cost of membership.

3. The draft terms of reference attached as Appendix 3 or 4 (respective of the decision at 1 above) as an appropriate basis upon which to create the partnership.

4. Appoint the Lead Members for Economic Growth, Education & Skills and for Natural & Built Environment to represent the Council on the sub-national transport bodies.

5. Delegate authority to the County Council’s Corporate Director, Environment & Economy following consultation with the Lead Members for Natural & Built Environment and for Economic Growth, Education & Skills to agree the final terms of reference, a constitution, an inter-authority operational agreement and the prospectus for communication purposes for the STB.

6. Approve an initial partnership funding contribution of up to £60,000 to facilitate the development and operation of the partnership, and lever in match-funding from the Government; with the actual value of the contribution to be agreed between

the parties following further development of technical workstreams.

Reasons for Decisions

1. The creation of a Sub-national Transport Body would give local authorities the direct influence over decisions that were currently within the control of Government and its agencies. Individual authorities would formally join a partnership with other authorities to formulate, and potentially deliver, a transport and investment strategy for the wider area.

2. The South West remained the only part of England not covered by a STB, and Government highlighted that it expected such a body to be put in place to enable discussion and agreement on strategic transport infrastructure investment priorities.

3. The South West Region risked losing out on essential infrastructure investment without such a body in place.

4. There was a consensus amongst South West authorities that forming two bodies, initially as informal partnerships; would be the most effective way to swiftly put in place a clear mechanism for Government to engage formally on strategic transport investment matters, including use of a new roads fund to improve the major road network.