Issue - meetings

Cabinet Member: Environment

Forward Plan Ref: 2020/108

Contact: Melanie Graham, Group Manager: Service & Business Improvement; Tel: 07741 607801

Report by Director for Planning & Place.

This report provides an overview of the Department of Transport's Active Travel Emergency fund and, in particular, sets out the requirements and arrangements for the production and approval of the Tranche 2 submission.

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to:

(a)          Note the criteria of Tranche 2 of the Department of Transport Active Travel Emergency Fund; and

(b)          Delegate to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment (and Transport), the final sign off of the Oxfordshire County Council’s bid for the Department of Transport Active Travel Emergency Fund Tranche 2 submission.

Councillor Heathcoat, as Chairman for the meeting had agreed that this item be added an item of urgent business in order to meet the timetable for submission to the Department of Transport set by central Government.

Cabinet considered a report that provided an overview of the Department of Transport's Active Travel Emergency fund and, in particular, set out the requirements and arrangements for the production and approval of the Tranche 2 submission.

Councillor Constance, Cabinet Member for Environment and Sue Halliwell, Director of Planning & Place introduced the contents of the report highlighting the need for the recommended delegation given the tight timescales involved.

Sue Halliwell, responding to a query from Councillor Heathcoat, Deputy Leader of the Council, stated that there was much better information from central government on this second tranche with much greater clarity on requirements to ensure that the bid was ticking all the core criteria against the funding.

Councillor John Sanders, Shadow Cabinet Member for Environment, Hoped that some of the Tranche 2 money could go into the Low Traffic Neighbourhoods.

During discussion Cabinet expressed concern at the process and tight timescales involved. Responding to questions Sue Halliwell: confirmed that some of the examples of local schemes on the portal referred to in the introduction came from our own information but not all; explained the phased approach to the bidding process so that OCC was in a position to take advantage  of any additional monies that became available.

Responding to concerns that the measures would be urban centric and short term, Sue Halliwell and Councillor Constance explained the limitations of the process that meant that it was likely that city schemes and spade ready projects were likely to be successful. However, every effort would be made to have a balanced approach to urban and rural schemes.

RESOLVED:             to:

(a)          note the criteria of Tranche 2 of the Department of Transport Active Travel Emergency Fund; and

(b)          delegate to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment (and Transport), the final sign off of the Oxfordshire County Council’s bid for the Department of Transport Active Travel Emergency Fund Tranche 2 submission.