URL: https://democracy.darlington.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1970

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: The Cabinet Member with the Local Services Portfolio introduced the report (previously circulated) of the Executive Director of Environment, Highways and Community Services to provide Members with an annual update on the delivery of the Darlington Transport Plan (DTP). The DTP outlines the delivery, performance, and public satisfaction in 2025/26 and seeks approval for the 2026/27 programme, including the release of funding.   The report explained that in 2022/23 the Darlington Transport Plan for the borough, a Town Centre Transport Plan and Parking Strategy were adopted by Council and work continues in implementing the associated action plans. A progress report on the schemes delivered in 2025/26 along with the proposed programme of schemes and indicative funding allocations for 2026/27 was submitted alongside the report. It was detailed that there had been good progress on the development and delivery of the transport capital programme, including working in partnership with Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) to deliver elements of the strategic transport plan.   Included in the report was the significant funding from the Government which had been secured through the TVCA and the details of the performance Indicators and public satisfaction.   RESOLVED - It was recommended that:   (a)    Members noted the progress in delivery of the Darlington Transport Plan and agreed to release £4,016,992 as outlined to deliver the proposed projects identified in Appendix A.   (b)   Members delegated authority to the Executive Director of Environment, Highways and Community Services, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Local Services, to:   (i)                  agreed and released funding for a programme of additional highway maintenance schemes funded from the new allocation of highway maintenance funding.   (ii)                explored opportunities to reprofile highway capital and revenue funding allocation, both in year and from future years (where terms allow) to make most efficient use of resources and vary the delivery programme in year if required.   (iii)              agreed bidding if required on external funding opportunities, and release funding from successful bids or Government grants. This includes:   a)      The Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) and Local Authority Bus Grant (LABG).   b)      Schemes as detailed in the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) Delivery Plan.   c)      Transport for City Regions (TCR).   d)      Active Travel Capability Fund (ATCF) – capital and revenue funding.   e)      Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) funding.   f)       Traffic Signal Obsolescence Grant (TSOG).   g)      Any other relevant funding which is made available in 2026/27.   (c)    Members noted the performance data relating to transport services, detailed in Appendix C.   REASON - The recommendations were supported by the following reasons:   (a)    To continue to deliver Darlington’s transport strategy as set out in the Darlington Transport Plan, Town Centre Transport Plan and Parking Strategy 2022 - 2030, which support the Tees Valley Strategic Transport Plan 2016 – 2030 (STP).   (b)   To maximise the opportunities to maintain highways assets for the benefit of all road users.   (c)    To assist TVCA in the delivery of the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement, Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan, and Bus Service Improvement Plan programmes and associated action plans, in line with Government guidance    

Date of Decision: March 3, 2026