URL: https://cmttpublic.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2040

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Transport and Highways concerning a consolidated transport programme for 2026/27 to 2029/30.  Members were informed that in previous years the Council had received multiple annual grants for highways maintenance and local transport improvement projects, split by transport mode and often subject to competitive bidding.  The Department for Transport (DfT) had confirmed a local transport funding settlement for 2026/27 to 2029/30 and the new settlement consolidated the existing grants into a single, multi-year programme to simplify the process and improve delivery.  Approval was being sought to submit the draft programme for this consolidated transport funding settlement, as a Local Transport Delivery Plan (LTDP) (attached as Appendix 1).  This LTDP would be submitted to the DfT and the Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority (CWCA) as the consolidated funding would be routed through the CWCA once established.   Members noted that Cheshire West and Chester, Cheshire East and Warrington Borough Councils were each preparing a four?year programme, which would be combined to form the Combined Authority’s LTDP, supported by a simple funding transfer arrangement to maintain continuity of delivery by local authorities.  Members further noted the table in section 4.2 showing funding originally allocated under separate programme headings which had now been consolidated.   Councillor Karen Shore, Cabinet Member for Transport and Highways, led the discussion on the item as proposer and the item was seconded by Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of the Council.   Members welcomed the report and the four-year funding settlement which they felt offered greater certainty and the ability to plan and programme work more sustainably.  Councillor Shore explained that this would also provide greater opportunity to explore new options such as multi-operated ticking trials and bus franchising, acknowledging both the urban and rural composition of the borough.  She also gave assurance that whilst the strategic decision-making would sit with the CWCA, the local authorities would have a key role in delivery.  Members thanked the staff in the Transport and Highways Service for their ongoing hard work.   DECIDED:     That   1)            submission of the Local Transport Delivery Plan to the Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority or Department for Transport as appropriate (Appendix 1) be approved; 2)            the Council’s Section 151 Chief Financial Officer be delegated authority to provide a value for money assurance on behalf of the Council, noting that final value assurance sign off to the Department for Transport will be required prior to submission by the Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority Section 73 Chief Finance Officer; and 3)            the Director of Transport and Highways, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Transport and Highways (including Waste), be delegated authority to develop and submit further updates of the Plan as required.   Reason for Decision   1)            Submission of a LTDP by the Combined Authority to the DfT (formed of LTDPs for each borough) is a condition of funding. Failure to comply may lead to withholding, reduction, or clawback of consolidated funding. 2)            The LTDP directs existing, preannounced funding to established priorities, ensuring continued delivery and alignment with LTP4. 3)            Funding will be paid to the Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority when established. The Combined Authority will award funding to its constituent councils (Cheshire West and Chester Council, Cheshire East Council and Warrington Borough Council) in line with borough-level DfT allocations. 4)            The proposed delegation to the Director of Transport and Highways will ensure the Council can continue to meet DfT requirements, including an updated LTDP by September 2026 and annual updates thereafter, and provides flexibility to respond to any further guidance issued in relation to this funding. 5)            DfT require sign-off by the S151 Officer of the constituent local councils and the S73 Chief Finance Officer of the Combined Authority.   Alternative Options   1)            An option is to do nothing. However, the Council would risk losing access funding and would be unable to meet LTP4 targets. 2)            Another option is to submit a reduced programme to the Combined Authority. However, this option is not recommended as it would fail to maximise certainty and flexibility available through the settlement, with likely outcome that programmes for other borough areas would be increased to make use of the remaining funding at a regional level. A reduced programme would also limit the Council’s ability to deliver the outcomes required by DfT.

Date of Decision: March 11, 2026