Agenda and minutes

Venue: Digital Meeting Via Microsoft Teams

Contact: Hannah Clark 01392 383000  Email: hannah.clark@devon.gov.uk

Items
No. Item

108.

Minutes of the previous meeting pdf icon PDF 206 KB

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 23 September 2021 (attached).

Minutes:

It was MOVED by Councillor Drean, SECONDED by Councillor Woodman, and RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held 23 September 2021 be approved as a true record.

109.

Items requiring urgent attention

Items which in the opinion of the Chairman should be considered at the meeting as matters of urgency.

Minutes:

There were no matters raised as urgent items.

110.

Peninsula Transport Structure

Presentation of the Technical Lead Authority on changes to the STB structure and resourcing.

Minutes:

The Board considered the presentation of the Technical Director on changes to Peninsula Transport’s structure and resourcing.

 

The Board heard that the existing model, with no dedicated resource at the centre of the STB staffing, was coming under strain. Following discussions with Members and the Department for Transport, changes to the structure were identified which would enable Peninsula Transport to perform better. The new structure responds to the challenges, but does so within the resources available to Peninsula Transport and retains its lean structure. As a result, a Technical Director will be seconded to Peninsula Transport from Cornwall Council for 2 days a week and a Programme Director will be seconded from Devon County Council for 3 days a week. Support will continue to be provided from the Directors and Officers groups.

 

The proposed structure was welcomed by the Board Members and Co-Opted Members, noting that it was expected to enable the work programme to be accelerated.

 

 

 

 

 

111.

Work Package Programme pdf icon PDF 199 KB

Report of the Programme Director on a revised programme for 2021/2022 financial year and seeking approval for its submission to the Department for Transport.

Minutes:

The Board received the Report of the Programme Director on a revised programme for 2021/2022 financial year.

 

The Board heard that progress has been made on all work packages commissioned to date. Specifically, the Carbon Transition and EV & Technology studies have been extended in programme but are aiming for a March 2022 completion, the Rail Strategy has recommenced following a rescoping exercise and the Rural Mobility Study has been jointly commissioned with Western Gateway STB. All studies are subject to approval from the Department for Transport.

 

By the end of March 2022, a comprehensive level of analysis will have been undertaken and can be used to take forward to the detailed transport strategy.

 

It was MOVED by Councillor Davis, SECONDED by Councillor Drean and RESOLVED that

 

(a) the proposed revised programme for 2021/22 is noted; and

 

(b) the submission of the revised programme to the Department for Transport for final sign off is approved

112.

WP05 Strategic Economic Corridors Study pdf icon PDF 102 KB

Report of the Programme Director concluding the project and seeking approval for the Strategic Economic Corridors Study Executive Summary.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Board received the Report of the Programme Director concluding the Strategic Economic Corridors Study.

 

The Board heard that the study looked at connectivity across the South West Peninsula and unlocking growth, whilst aligning with net zero and carbon aspirations. The study focused on the impact of improvements on three key corridors: Bridgwater to Bodmin, Yeovil to Penzance and North Devon. The economic outcomes of these improvements include improved productivity, more jobs, better digital connectivity, better connected transport which is future ready and unlocking development.

 

The study has a number of recommendations, including consistent standards along the length of corridors for both road and rail, continuing to push for connectivity improvements across all modes, investing in technology and digital infrastructure and investing in decarbonisation.

 

The Board raised points relating to the Tamar Crossings and the impact of improvements outside of the Peninsula.

 

It was MOVED by Councillor Davis, SECONDED by Councillor Drean and RESOLVED that

 

(a) the Executive Summary for the Strategic Economic Corridors Study is approved; and

 

(b) the Strategic Economic Corridors Study is signed off as complete.

 

113.

WP08 Rail Strategy pdf icon PDF 120 KB

Report of the Technical Lead Authority on the latest rail strategy progress.

Minutes:

The Board received the Report of the Technical Lead Authority on the latest rail strategy progress.

 

The Board heard that following a rescoping exercise, the Rail Strategy work has recommenced. There are a number of key considerations for this study, including reducing the subsidy for rail, delivering decarbonisation, devolution and rail reform, passenger demand and Levelling Up.

 

The Board noted the indicative timescales for the completion of the Rail Strategy, including an elected Members workshop on 15 February 2022 and a final draft report to be presented at the Board meeting on 3 March 2022. In addition, a session with the Great British Railways Transition Team has been arranged for 11 January 2022.

 

114.

Peninsula Rail Update

Verbal update from the Peninsula Rail Task Force (PRTF) Chair.

Minutes:

The Chairman exercised her discretion in varying the order of business and brought this item forward.

 

The Board received a verbal report from the Chair of Peninsula Rail Task Force (PRTF). It was discussed that there are external factors affecting the industry and that there is a need to demonstrate how Peninsula Rail investment can affect things such as decarbonisation. It was also noted that Peninsula Transport and PRTF have a role in identifying how rail fits into multi-modal transport work in future, creating integration and seamless travel, and ensuring that strong, positive messages are produced on rail patronage in the South West.

115.

WP09 Freight Study pdf icon PDF 169 KB

Report of the technical team seeking approval for the interventions and key aims identified by the Freight Study.

Minutes:

The Board received the Report of the Technical Lead Authority on the key aims and interventions identified by the Freight Study.

 

The Board heard that a combined Freight Strategy for the South West has been produced. A total of 46 initiatives were developed, then reviewed and ranked by stakeholders and industry professionals. A prioritised list of 13 interventions and grouped into intervention packages. This has culminated in a detailed report plus a 30-page summary.

 

The Board noted that the key elements can be summarised as modal shift, decarbonising freight and more efficient operations. It was also noted that it would be beneficial for a South West Freight Forum to be formed.

 

The Board asked questions relating to air freight and its potential in the South West Peninsula. It was also noted that this work package aligns well with the Heart of the South West LEPs Blueprint for Clean Growth.

 

It was MOVED by Councillor Davis, SECONDED by Councillor Desmonde and RESOLVED that

 

(a)  the three key aims and related freight intervention priorities for inclusion in the final South West Freight Strategy is approved; and

 

(b)  the final South West Freight Strategy is to be agreed via email ahead of the next Peninsula Transport Board meeting on 3 March 2022

116.

Finance Update pdf icon PDF 90 KB

Report of the Finance Lead Authority on the latest financial position.

Minutes:

The Board received the Report of the Finance Lead Authority on the latest financial position.

 

The Board noted that there has been a need to accelerate work packages since September 2021. However, whilst the headroom has reduced from £194,880 to £86,880, the budget remains affordable.

 

Members noted that final sign off from the Department for Transport on the updated work programme is required.

 

 

 

 

117.

Communications and Engagement Update pdf icon PDF 122 KB

Report of the Communications and Engagement team on the latest communications and engagement activities.

Minutes:

The Board received the Report of the Communications and Engagement Lead Authority on the latest communications and engagement activity.

 

The Board noted that a number of activities have taken place since September, including the review and update of the STB website. The website content has been refreshed, with PRTF incorporated into the STB website. In addition, a newsletter sign up has been active since August, and so far there are 51 sign ups.

 

Looking ahead, a monthly activity plan will continue to be presented to officers monthly. Joint work with other STBs will continue, including planning a joint STB conference focusing on areas of common interest across transport.

 

118.

Communications and Engagement Contract pdf icon PDF 93 KB

Report of the Communications and Engagement Technical Lead Authority seeking approval for the extension of the current Communications and Public Relations contract for a period of up to 2 years.

Minutes:

The Board received the Report of the Communications and Engagement Lead Authority seeking approval for the extension of the current Communications and Public Relations contract for a period of up to 2 years.

 

The Board heard that there has been a strong performance from Coast Communications and Marketing Ltd to date, and that there is good reason to enact the contract extension clause.

 

It was MOVED by Councillor Woodman, SECONDED by Councillor Davis and RESOLVED that

 

(a)  The current Communications and Public Relations contract with Coast Communications and Marketing Ltd be extended for a period of up to 2 years

119.

Constitution Amendment: Chair and Vice-Chair Arrangement pdf icon PDF 99 KB

Report of the Governance Lead Authority seeking approval for amendments to the Constitution so that the Chair and Vice-Chair positions are rotated every two years. 

Minutes:

The Board received the report of the Governance Lead Authority seeking approval for amendments to the Constitution so that the Chair and Vice-Chair positions are rotated every two years.

 

The Board noted that a key role of the Chair and Vice-Chair is to represent Peninsula Transport externally. It was discussed that it can take time to build these relationships, and an annual rotation can undermine its importance.

 

It was MOVED by Councillor Woodman, SECONDED by Philip Heseltine (representing Councillor Drean) and RESOLVED that

 

(a)  The Constitution wording be amended so that the Chair and Vice-Chair positions are rotated every two years

120.

Co-Opted Members Update

Co-opted Members to provide updates and feedback from their organisations.

Minutes:

The Board received Reports from the Co-opted Members on matters of interest arising from their respective organisations.

 

National Highways noted that a number of stakeholder workshops have been held for the Route Strategies work. The deadline for formal input into the Route Strategies evidence base has been extended until 31 December 2021. It was also noted that the Secretary of State’s Statement of Matters has been received for the A303 Stonehenge Development Consent Order and that the A358 consultation closed on 22 November 2021.

 

Network Rail reported that there have been a number of Restoring Your Railway Fund successes in the South West. As well as the Okehampton reopening, Wellington and Cullompton have received further development funding, with Langport, Somerton and Mid Cornwall Metro all making progress. In addition, Tavistock to Plymouth was announced as successful in the Ideas Fund Round 3.

 

121.

Public Participation pdf icon PDF 61 KB

Questions or Representations from Members of the public in line with the Board’s Public Participation Scheme.

Minutes:

In accordance with the Board’s Public Participation Rules, the Board received a statement and acknowledged oral representations made by the Chair of Safe38.

 

The Chair thanked the public speaker for their contributions.

 

[NB: A copy of the questions and answers are appended to these minutes and are also available on the Council’s Website at https://democracy.devon.gov.uk/ieListMeetings.aspx?CId=459&Year=0)

 

 

122.

Dates of Future Meetings

All meetings to be held digitally via Microsoft Teams until further notice –

 

3 March 2022 (10:00)

2 June 2022 (10:00)

 

Please use link below for County Council Calendar of Meetings;

http://democracy.devon.gov.uk/mgCalendarMonthView.aspx?GL=1&bcr=1

Minutes:

Board Members noted the dates of future meetings as: 

 

3 March 2022

2 June 2022

 

All meetings to be held virtually via Microsoft Teams at 10:00am.

 

Please use link below for County Council Calendar of Meetings;

http://democracy.devon.gov.uk/mgCalendarMonthView.aspx?GL=1&bcr=1

123.

Exclusion of the Press & Public

RECOMMENDATION that the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of the Act namely the financial or business affairs of persons tendering for the provision of council goods or services and of the County Council, in both cases, and in accordance with Section 36 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, by virtue of the fact that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

Minutes:

It was MOVED by Councillor Davis, SECONDED by Councillor Woodman and

 

RESOLVED that the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of the Act namely the financial or business affairs of persons tendering for the provision of council goods or services and of the County Council, in both cases, and in accordance with Section 36 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, by virtue of the fact that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

124.

Finance Update: Itemised Expenditure Estimate for 2021/22 Financial Year

Finance Lead Authority to report.

Minutes:

The Board received the report of the Finance Lead Authority on the itemised forecast expenditure information for the 2021/22 financial year.