Issue - meetings

Report of Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport

The Committee considered a report of the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport on the draft revised Highways Infrastructure Asset Management Plan (HIAMP) which had been prepared to ensure the County Council continued to meet their statutory duties under the Highways Act 1980 whilst making best use of the resources available (Schedule 3 to the signed minutes).

The format and content of the HIAP was based on national guidance and provided a link between the County Council’s strategic objectives and operational activities. It set out in detail how they were to manage each highway asset in order to meet strategic goals whilst supporting delivery of the Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy.

In addition, it ensured Department for Transport Incentive Fund resources could be maximised, making the case for additional funding and enabling the Authority to better defend claims.

The revised document covered the three-year period from 2022/23 to 2024/25.

During the full and wide-ranging discussion which ensued Members gave detailed scrutiny to the scope and content of the HIAMP seeking clarification and raising issues of concern as necessary, including:- (i) how its provisions would be applied to the County Council’s existing strategic infrastructure Partner to ensure satisfactory performance; (ii) the significant shortfall in funding currently available for Highway maintenance work and the contribution the HIAMP would make towards bridging the gap and; (iii) the need for effective two-way communication with Local Members and the public on Highway matters.

In conclusion, the Committee expressed their support for the draft revised HIAMP and welcomed the amalgamation of information currently contained in separate documentation. They noted that the Plan did not constitute revisions to either policy or service standards but stressed the need to ensure implementation of its provisions under the existing contractual arrangements.

RESOLVED – (a) That the report be received and noted.

(b) That the draft revised Highways Asset Management Plan be supported.

(c) That additional efforts be made to ensure compliance with the various provisions set out in the Plan under the County Council’s existing contractual arrangements including, where necessary, better communication channels with Local Members and the Public.