Issue - meetings

This report provides an update on Local Implementation Plan (LIP) funding arrangements for the two-year period 2023/24 – 2024/25. It provides details of the programme of transport schemes and measures approved by Transport for London (TfL) to be implemented by the Council up to 31 March 2025.

Cabinet NOTED the following comments made by Councillor Georgiou who had requested to speak at the meeting on the report.  In addressing Cabinet, Councillor Georgiou highlighted what he felt was the need for a full review of the achievements delivered through the previous programme of works and expressed concern that a decision on the 2023-2025 delivery plan was being considered in advance of any such process having been undertaken.

Having noted the comments received Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)      To note the LIP funding position for the two-year period 2023/24 – 2024/25, as detailed within the report.

(2)      To approve the LIP Two-Year Delivery Plan for 2023/24 – 2024/25 and programme delivery arrangements as detailed within the report, and:

(a)      To give approval to the Head of Healthy Streets & Parking to deliver the programme of schemes and initiatives using the allocated budgets and resources available.

(b)      To authorise the Head of Healthy Streets & Parking to undertake any necessary statutory and non-statutory consultations in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Action, and to consider any objections or representations regarding the proposed schemes.

(c)      To delegate authority to the Head of Healthy Streets & Parking in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Action, as appropriate, to make the decision on whether to deliver the proposed schemes following consideration of the objections and representations in the consultation process. If, in the opinion of the Head of Healthy Streets & Parking that significant objections are raised, he be authorised to refer such objections to Cabinet for further consideration and make a decision on whether to deliver the proposed schemes.

(d)      To authorise the Head of Healthy Streets & Parking, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Action, to vire scheme allocations where necessary (e.g. pending the outcome of detailed design and consultation) within the overall LIP budget, and in accordance with the Council’s financial regulations.

(e)      To authorise the Head of Healthy Streets & Parking to deliver schemes that receive any additional in-year grant funding as approved by Transport for London, or another funding body, subject to the outcome of consultation, and to brief the Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Action, as appropriate.

Prior to consideration of the main report, Councillor Muhammed Butt (Leader of the Council) invited Councillor Georgiou, who had requested to speak on the item, to address the meeting.  In addressing Cabinet, Councillor Georgiou highlighted what he felt was the need for a full review of the achievements delivered through the previous Local Implementation Plan (LIP) Delivery Plan and expressed concern that a decision on the 2023-2025 Plan was being considered in advance of any such process having been undertaken.

In responding, Councillor Muhammed Butt thanked Councillor Georgiou for his comments and advised that the concerns raised had been noted.  Councillor Krupa Sheth (Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure & Climate Action) was then invited to introduce a report providing an update on the LIP funding arrangements for the two-year period 2023 - 24 – 2024 – 25 along with details of the programme of transport schemes and measures approved by Transport for London (TfL) to be implemented by the Council up to 31 March 2025.

In considering the report, Cabinet noted that following reestablishment of a two-year LIP Delivery Plan funding process by TfL post pandemic the Council had received confirmation of a £2.004m allocation for 2023-24 with confirmation of funding for 2024-25 anticipated later in the year.  Members were advised that a summary of the confirmed allocation had been detailed within Table 3.1 of the report with full details on the schemes included within the Delivery Plan set out in Appendix A of the report.

Members welcomed the focus within the Delivery Plan on the delivery of high impact and transformational schemes linked to strategic priorities within the Borough Plan with the aim of encouraging more active and sustainable forms of travel and creating safer, greener transport options linked to initiatives such as safer and healthier travel, Safer School streets, healthy streets and places, local safety improvements, a cleaner and greener Brent and measures to address more localised congestion and parking problems.

Whilst noting and expressing concern at the financial challenges and pressures being experienced by TfL as a result of uncertainty around Government funding, Cabinet was supportive of the approach taken in relation to development of the Delivery Plan linked to an assessment of relevant evidence-led data, development activity and strategic schemes supporting both the Council’s and TfL’s objectives alongside the completion of schemes with ongoing funding commitments.  Whilst noting the work required to finalise design requirements for the schemes within the Plan, Members particularly welcomed the focus on safe and sustainable school travel initiatives as well as on measures, from a public health perspective, designed to mitigate against the impact of traffic and pollution, improve air quality and encourage more active modes of travel.

In commending the Delivery Plan and ongoing investment commitment this represented for local residents Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)    To note the LIP funding position for the two-year period 2023/24 – 2024/25, as detailed within the report.

(2)    To approve the LIP Two-Year Delivery Plan for 2023/24 – 2024/25 and programme delivery arrangements as detailed  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10