Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment.

Decision

That the proposed spend allocation of the Transport Infrastructure Investment Fund be approved.

Reason for the Decision

That we can invest the Transport Infrastructure Investment Fund in accordance with Department for Transport (DfT) guidelines, to improve road condition, reducing the number of potholes, and to kick start the construction industry and wider economy. This is also intended to assist our recovery from the impacts of Covid 19 and flooding issues arising from the winter.

The Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and the Environment reported on the Government’s newly created Transport Infrastructure Investment Fund.  Incorporated into the fund wad a combination of already confirmed annual funds for Dorset Council, with the addition of a Pothole Fund, which included funds originally intended for the 2020/21 Challenge, now divided between authorities on the needs based formula. Dorset’s share of the £1.7billion funding was set out in detail within the report.

Members were further advised that future investment strategies against all highways assets would be the subject to review and discussion at future Highway Executive Advisory Panel meetings.

In response to questions, the Portfolio Holder confirmed that council engineers were working closely with the private landowner to resolve recent issues in respect of the landslip near the Old Castle Road at Weymouth.

Cabinet members welcomed the report and supported the recommendation.

Decision

That the proposed spend allocation of the Transport Infrastructure Investment Fund be approved.

Reason for the Decision

That we can invest the Transport Infrastructure Investment Fund in accordance with Department for Transport (DfT) guidelines, to improve road condition, reducing the number of potholes, and to kick start the construction industry and wider economy. This is also intended to assist our recovery from the impacts of Covid 19 and flooding issues arising from the winter.