Agenda item

To receive an update in respect of the ‘Transforming Cities Fund’, following reports to Cabinet on 5 November 2019 and 5 May 2020.

Link to Cabinet agenda and minutes for information:

5 November 2019 (minute 79)

5 May 2020 (minute 145)

The committee received an update in respect of the ‘Transforming Cities Fund’, following reports to Cabinet on 5 November 2019 and 5 May 2020.

Councillors considered the update report and the following points were raised:

·                Reference was made to local plan proposals for Alderholt including plans for improving transport infrastructure and whether this would be included in the proposals?  In response, the Head of Highways confirmed that the report provided an update following the previous reports to Cabinet and set out the main schemes that it was hoped to deliver over the next four years.  Further detailed work was required.  A discussion could be had following the meeting about Alderholt specifically

·                Discussions were being held at a sub-national level with regard to further investment in infrastructure and this would include lobbying for funding for Dorset for improved infrastructure in towns.  Ward members would be kept informed on this work

·                The Chairman asked about representation on the Council Governance Board and this could be picked up with the board

·                The Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment noted that this was a positive start in this area and recognised that there were other areas to look at to ensure the council maximised grant funding opportunities when available

·                A point was raised with regard to the importance of connectivity between the Dorset Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council areas and ensuring joining up to the wider network and how this could be further supported

·                The Head of Highways confirmed that the council would continue to involve stakeholders in examining issues including the best ways to improve corridors between areas and welcomed input from councillors.  Other work underway included work on a new local plan

·                The Chairman requested regular updates on this work for the committee

·                In response to a question, the Head of Highways provided an overview of funding in this area

·                In response to a question, the Head of Highways noted that the project was low risk in terms of delivery but agreed that if the risk factor increased in an area, this could be raised with the committee

Following discussion, the committee noted the following recommendation:

That the Place and Resources Scrutiny Committee support the following actions, in line with the decisions of Cabinet on 5 November 2019 and 5 May 2020:

(a)     The delivery of the proposed three-year delivery programme in line with the TCF Strategic Outline Business Case, already approved by Cabinet, and guidance set out by the DfT in the Assurance Framework.

(b)     The agreed Governance Framework and the delegation of the authority to the Head of Highways in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and the Environment through the TCF Council Governance Board (CGB), for approval of future TCF proposals, detailed programme delivery decisions and the detailed design of each element of the programme.

(c)     Regular TCF update reports going to the CGB and from there to DfT as stipulated within point 8 of the award letter, with consideration of Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) associated with the programme being considered in line with current Dorset Council approvals.

(d)     Continued joint working with BCP Council officers and councillors on TCF and other linked transport programmes.