Issue - meetings

The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Environment and Transport which set out the results of the consultation undertaken on the draft Highway Asset Management Policy and Strategy, the final versions of which were attached to the report for approval.  A copy of the report, marked ‘7’, is filed with these minutes.

Members noted the comments received from Mr. G. A. Boulter CC on behalf of the Liberal Democrat Group, a copy of which is filed with these minutes.

The Director reported that the Environment and Transport Overview and Scrutiny Committee had considered the proposed Policy and Strategy in December 2016 during the consultation period and not at its meeting on 22 June as stated in the report.  He confirmed that the Committee’s comments had been taken on board when finalising the documents now presented for approval.

Mr. Rushton CC said that both documents clearly set out what would now be the Council’s approach to highway asset management, taking account of ongoing financial pressures and the reduced resources that would be available in the future.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the outcome of the consultation be noted;

(b)       That the Highway Asset Management Policy (Appendix A) and the Highway Asset Management Strategy (Appendix B) be approved;

(c)        That the Director of Environment and Transport, following consultation with the Cabinet Lead Member, be authorised to make minor amendments to the Highway Asset Management Policy and Highway Asset Management Strategy as he considers to be necessary to ensure that they remain current and conform to legislation;  

(d)       That it be noted that a Highway Infrastructure Asset Management Plan will be developed to support the principles of the Highway Asset Management Policy and Strategy, replacing the existing Transport Asset Management Plan, and that this will be submitted to the Cabinet in Autumn 2017.

(KEY DECISION)

REASONS FOR DECISION:

To approve the Highway Asset Management Policy and Strategy, which are key requirements to enable the County Council to maximise its funding allocation from the Government.

To support the delivery of a service that is aligned to the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) and to ensure that the Council as Highway Authority continues to meet its statutory duties under the Highways Act 1980.

The Highway Asset Management Policy and the Highway Asset Management Strategy may need to be modified slightly should circumstances change, for example, to respond to legislation or new opportunities.  Significant changes would submitted to the Cabinet for approval.