Decision - RESPONSE TO GOVERNMENT CONSULTATION 'DEVOLVING MAJOR LOCAL TRANSPORT SCHEMES'

114.1    Councillor West considered a report of the Strategic Director, Place and received an introduction from the Head of Transport Strategy and Projects, Andy Renault. It was stated that the report set out the views that had been submitted on behalf of the Council to devolve powers and responsibilities to local authorities; the report discussed the provision of influence through a locally established transport body that would be accountable. The outcome of the consultation was expected to provide advice on how this would be taken forward.

114.2    Councillor Mitchell welcomed the move to start managing transport at a local level; and noted that it was her view to South-East Transport Board had worked effectively before it was decommissioned. Councillor Geoffrey Theobald noted his disagreement with the points made by Councillor Mitchell, and stated that a new board would be better based on the LEP as this would be more relevant to the city as a location. Councillor Davey agreed that the LEP was a useful geographical and economic area to focus on.

2.1             That the Cabinet Member approves the officer response submitted on behalf of the council to the government’s consultation (attached in Appendix 1).

2.2             That the Cabinet Member requests that the Strategic Director notifies the Department for Transport of his decision.

2.3             That the Cabinet Member notes the indicative timetable set out in Appendix 2 associated with the development of a Local Transport Body and authorises the Strategic Director to continue discussions with relevant local authorities and organisations to produce agreed draft Local Transport Body proposals.