Agenda item

On 12 June 2017, Democratic Services Support Officers received a request from Cllr Eber Kington asking for an item on Local Highway Funding 2017/18 to be included on the next Environment and Infrastructure Select Committee agenda. As a result an officer report has been prepared for the Committees consideration. 

Witnesses

Jason Russell, Deputy Director

Colin Kemp, Cabinet Member for Highways

Declarations of interest:

None

Key points raised in the discussion:

1. It was noted that on 12 June 2017, Democratic Services Support Officers received a request from Cllr Eber Kington asking for an item on Local Highway Funding for 2017/18 to be included on the next Environment and Infrastructure Select Committee agenda. As a result, an officer report has been prepared for the Committee’s consideration. 

2. Cllr Eber Kington introduced the report by informing members that the report was requested as there were concerns regarding the reductions with the local committee’s highway budget, expressing the view that the impact of these reductions would affect the level of service to residents. Members agreed that the reduction to this budget would impact local decision making at the local committee level.

3. The Cabinet Member for Highways assured members that discussions with local committees was on the agenda going forward to address the situation and discuss what solutions could  be reached. The Cabinet Member stated that although money had been reduced from the local committee highways budget more was being spent on the highways network overall.

4. It was noted that there were other resources available for local committees these included CIL funding and parking funds which could be reassessed to maximise alternative funding for local choice and funding.

5. A member stated that the allocated £40K for Runnymede local committee would not allow members to deliver services at levels experienced in recent years and that there should be scope for fundamental re-assessment of the savings proposals.

6. Officers identified that further reductions were possible within the highways discretionary allocation which would endorse additional savings however members raised concerns this would diminish there role as a councillor further as discretionary funds were managed by the Local Committees and promoted local decision making.

7. Following the reduction in capital investment and on going revenue pressures, members noted that investment would be targeted in line with the available budget to minimise future liabilities and the deterioration of highway assets.

8. It was noted that there was currently a re-structure within the Environment and Infrastructure directorate. The Deputy Director of Environment and Infrastructure assured that this would not cause significant impact upon the delivery of service however would maximise efficiency by utilising officer skills more effectively.

9. Members sought clarification around the term ‘reactive maintenance’ and officers explained that works included in this category referred to grass cutting, safety defects, environmental maintenance, drainage winter service, traffic systems, sign and lines and structures. However members noted that there were delays in this area due to contractual constraints.

10. There was discussion in amending the recommendation to highlight the importance of reassessing the focus on local highways funding. Members supported the view that the report recommendation should be amended to note ‘with concern’ the reduction in the highways funding. The Select Committee requested that Cabinet review the highways funding for local committees.

11. The Cabinet Member for Highways emphasised that local members were empowered with influencing decisions despite concerns raised with the reduced level of involvement at local level and referred to capital schemes where local and joint committees play a significant role.

12. The Committee concluded proceedings by agreeing to support the recommendation to be put forward to Cabinet for consideration.

13. The Chairman commended Cllr Eber Kington for requesting the report and bringing this discussion to the forefront of scrutiny.

Recommendations:

a)    That the Environment and Infrastructure Select Committee notes with concern the report and background to the reductions in the Highways and Transport budget and asks the Cabinet to review the highways funding of local committees.

Actions:

None