Agenda item

Presentation and discussion on the Public Rights of Way budget, led by Ros Mills, Public Rights of Way and Country Parks Manager, Devon County Council.

https://new.devon.gov.uk/impact/public-rights-of-way/

Ros Mills, Public Rights of Way Manager, spoke about agenda paper 9; an impact scenario for a potential budget cut of £50,000 to the Public Rights of Way revenue budget.  The revenue budget amounted currently to £627,000 to maintain just under 5000 km of public rights of way (including bridges); 560 km of uUCRs and 225 km of off-road cycle routes.  In addition, allocations of funding were made to the National Parks; 25% match funding for the South West Coast Path; a contribution to East Devon District Council to maintain the coast path; and the P3 scheme.  No reduction in the capital budget was proposed.

There were statutory duties involved in maintaining the public rights of way network and lack of maintenance could result in legal challenge.  Community engagement through P3 is seen as very important and it was not proposed to reduce that commitment, a view supported by members.

Ros Mills suggested that a reduction in the maintenance of uUCRS could be one way of dealing with the budget cut but might not achieve the proposed amount.  Otherwise there could be reductions across the board or for particular types of route or spend.  Currently the spend per person (resident of Devon) on public rights of way maintenance in Devon is £0.93, amounting to £125/km.  The positive economic impact of the PRoW network and access was significant, as evidenced from closures during foot and mouth.  The fifty or so small contractors who do work on public rights of way were part of the wider economic effect.

Ros Mills confirmed there was no money from Public Health or Sustrans for maintenance, despite the evident health and well-being benefits of public rights of way.  The Local Nature Partnership, of which Public Health is a member, had commissioned much useful work on the health benefits of access to countryside/green space. The South West Coast Path Association carried out successful fundraising to assist with capital schemes.  A quarter of staff in Public Rights of Way were lost in 2012 but levels have been protected for the past few years.

Members expressed reservations about even cuts across the board as this could result in poor standards overall and increased complaints.

It was agreed it would be useful to ascertain the views of young people on this matter and suggested avenues were the Youth Parliament; British Trust for Conservation Volunteers; DoE and Ten Tors participants; and the National Citizenship Scheme.  It was recognised there was a shift in how younger people use public rights of way and other trails with more organised and activity based use.  There was a need to increase awareness and find out whether people do value PRoW.  Use of social media and incorporation of information into the National Curriculum were also suggested.

It was noted that Parish Councils had the opportunity to put money on the precept and it was acknowledged that some already so do.  Public rights of way could be considered part of their responsibility as custodians for the future.

Ros Mills asked members to use post-it notes to crystallise ideas.  Members duly undertook this task and put forward a variety of proposals for consideration.  These fell under several main themes:

·         Reducing a particular budget heading, or budget for a type of route, would be preferable to cuts across the board;

·         Route functionality and use should be identified to prioritise those routes in greater demand. PRoW mapping would assist in this task;

·         There was the potential to increase partnerships with landowners, user groups, communities, parish/town councils and others to ensure continued maintenance, either through funding/sponsorship of work, employment of a dedicated ‘warden’ or use of volunteers;

·         Signs and waymarking could be prioritised.  (Signing and waymarking is a legal duty).

·         Expert services of the Public Rights of Way team could possibly be sold to other authorities;

·         Novel ways of fundraising should be explored, for example donation boxes, crowdfunding, card type payments etc.;

·         Raising awareness of who provides and maintains paths.

Action:  Ros Mills to consider the budget cut implications in the light of DCAF comments and report back at the next meeting.