Issue - meetings

Cabinet Member: Highway Management

Forward Plan Ref: 2022/107

Contact: Phil Whitfield, Service Improvement Lead, 07986 819403

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CA12).

The existing highways maintenance contract with M-Group Infrastructure (Milestone) is set to expire on 31st March 2025 with no options to extend remaining. Oxfordshire County Council therefore needs to decide on a model for highway maintenance delivery from that date and have undertaken any procurement or recruitment prior to the expiry of the existing contract.

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to

a)                  Approve the commencement of work for a new highway maintenance contract.

b)                  Endorse the proposed approach and key stages as set out in this paper.

Recommendations agreed.

Cabinet considered a report outlining the three main decision points in adopting the delivery model: i) this report seeking support for the proposed approach; ii) when the project team have a preferred option/s for development and progression; and iii) to seek approval to commence procurement of the preferred option.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Cabinet Member for Highway Management, introduced the report emphasising that it needed to be read alongside the Highway Assets Management Policy.  The current contract which expires in March 2025 with no further options to extend was based on the “Single Managing Agent” provider model.  It was proposed to explore alternative models which will involve a great deal of engagement and specialist support.

Councillor Gant proposed the recommendations, Councillor Enright seconded and they were agreed.

RESOLVED to:

a)              Approve the commencement of work for a new highway’s maintenance contract.

b)              Endorse the proposed approach and key stages as set out in this paper.