Issue - meetings
South East Sub-National Transport Body
Meeting: 20/12/2016 - Cabinet (Item 9)
9 Sub-National Transport Body 
PDF 35 KB
Minutes:
Background:
This report provided details of progress towards the formation of a shadow Sub-National Transport Body for the South East of England including a proposal that Medway Council become a member of the shadow body and to appoint the Leader to the shadow body.
The report stated that the Cities and Local Government Devolution Act 2016 made provision for the establishment of a Sub-National Transport Body (SNTB) for any area in England (outside of Greater London). The establishment of an SNTB would provide an opportunity to develop a strong strategic partnership with all authorities in the area, and to devise a specific Transport Strategy for that region.
It was noted that prior to the formal establishment of an SNTB, it was proposed to establish the body in shadow form to help develop a strong strategic partnership. The aim of this was to demonstrate commitment from the constituent authorities to working collaboratively and provide reassurance to Government about the strength of the partnership.
|
Decision number: |
Decision: |
|
153/2016 |
The Cabinet agreed Medway Council to join a shadow Sub National Transport Body (SNTB) for the South East, known as Transport for the South East (TfSE). |
|
154/2016 |
The Cabinet agreed to appoint the Leader of the Council to the shadow Sub National Transport Body. |
|
155/2016 |
The Cabinet agreed to receive a report following an appropriate period of time, to be agreed by shadow body Members, reviewing the operation of the shadow arrangements and seeking approval to joining the formal Sub National Transport Body. |
|
156/2016 |
The Cabinet agreed to provide funding of £20,000 to develop the constitutional arrangements and the Transport Strategy and to provide officer support to the shadow Sub National Transport Body. |
Reasons:
TfSE provides an opportunity to support and deliver growth plans across the region through the development of a long-term strategic programme to identify a comprehensive package of transport measures to make the South East more competitive. It would complement the work of the Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) and support delivery of Local Plans.
It would specifically enable the Council to influence the prioritisation of investment by the major national transport agencies such as Highways England and Network Rail in a way that has not been possible in the past.
The SNTB would address some of the barriers to growth of the economy that have been held back by transport infrastructure shortcomings, notably strategic infrastructure, that is the responsibility of Network Rail and Highways England. The SNTB would enable the Council to more directly influence the priorities and programmes of these agencies, so helping to secure delivery of longstanding transport infrastructure ambitions.