Agenda, decisions and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence; and to receive notification of substitutions.

Apologies were received from the Mayor Dr Nik Johnson, Rebecca Stephens, Business Board Representative and also Cllr Sam Wakeford, who was substituted by Cllr Tom Sanderson.

Cllr Seaton declared an interest as he was a trustee of FACT Community Transport. This was deemed a non-pecuniary interest and therefore did not affect his participation in items on the agenda.

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 26 June 2024 and to note the action log.

The minutes of the meeting on 26 June 2024 were approved as an accurate record.  The Action Log was noted by the Committee.

The minutes of the meeting on 26 June 2024 were approved as an accurate record.

The Action Log was noted by the Committee.

Arrangements for asking a public question can be viewed here: Public Questions - Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority

Four public questions had been received. These had been circulated to the Committee prior to the meeting and were published as part of the meeting documents.

The first question from Michael Farmiloe was read out by the Governance Manager and a response was given by the Chair.

The second question was asked by Cllr Davenport- Ray on behalf of Mr Tom Watts; both were present at the meeting to address the Committee. In response to a supplementary question which asked how St. Neots residents would be able to find out about the progress with on-going discussions the Executive Director replied that regular updates would be presented at future meetings.

The two remaining questions from Mr Carpen and Mr Hollingsworth, were read out by the Governance Manager and a response to each given by the Chair.

The responses to the questions would be appended to the minutes and published on the CPCA website.

To note the Combined Authority’s Forward Plan for July.

The Committee resolved to note the Combined Authority Forward Plan.

Report from the Executive Director updating members on the key activities of the Place and Connectivity Directorate in relation to Transport and Infrastructure.

The Executive Director, Place and Connectivity introduced the report which provided the Committee with a general update on the key activities of the Place and Connectivity Directorate in relation to Transport and Infrastructure, which were not covered in other reports to this meeting.

During discussion, the following points were noted:

a)    The launch of the Tiger travel card had been expedited due to the election which had slightly limited advertising opportunities, although the Communications team had contacted secondary schools and colleges in the region. Future campaigns would consider a variety of advertising methods to ensure a wide geographic spread.

b)    A geographical analysis of Tiger Card usage across the region, using postcode data, would be conducted.

c)     There was already a strong alignment between the new Government’s policies and the CPCA’s transport strategies and ongoing engagement with Government would emphasise key regional projects and funding needs.

d)    Members raised concerns about the perception of funding distribution favouring urban over rural areas. There was, however, a possibility that a distinct budget allocation for rural areas would be explored.

e)    The importance of aligning transport and economic growth plans was highlighted.

f)      The Executive Director provided updates on the local growth plan, including a recent meeting with UK Mayors, and the ongoing discussions with the government. A five-page summary was expected by Government by the end of August, covering various aspects such as transport, connectivity, Net Zero initiatives, and infrastructure. The Plan's development would continue, with an emphasis on securing funding and aligning with the comprehensive spending review.

RESOLVED

A.    That the Transport and Infrastructure Committee note the report.

ACTION:

1.     Officers to conduct a geographical analysis of the 15000 Tiger Card users to see if the cards are being used across the whole of the CPCA region

.

Report seeking final approval of the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), as prepared by the Combined Authority at the instruction of the Department for Transport.

On being proposed by the Chair and seconded by Cllr Jamil, the Committee resolved (unanimously) to:

A    To recommend to the Combined Authority Board that it approves the revised Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), as prepared by the Combined Authority at the instruction of the Department for Transport.

B    To recommend to the Combined Authority Board, that subject to approval of the Bus Service Improvement Plan, this be published on the Combined Authority website and a final version to be submitted to the Department for Transport.

The Executive Director for Place and Connectivity introduced the report which set out the revised Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP). Mike Holmes from WSP, who had been contracted by CPCA to support the production of the BSIP, joined the discussion online.

During discussion, the following points were noted:

a)    Efforts were made in collaboration with Mike and colleagues across constituent authorities to drive forward the ambition of the Improvement Plan, ensuring it not only addressed the current year but also projected ambitious goals for the period 2025 to 2035.

b)    The importance of accessibility was acknowledged and while it was noted there had been limited time for consultation specifically on the Improvement Plan, (having been requested by the DfT in March for submission in the middle of June) the Local Transport and Connectivity Plan (LTCP) had included extensive consultations, including with disability groups. Future plans would focus more on accessibility, including both physical and non-visible disabilities.

c)     The Director confirmed that new systems and contracts were being explored for local area Ting services, and updates were expected by late autumn.

d)    The Chair thanked the officers for their prompt work, particularly Mike, who had played a significant role in the document's preparation despite the short notice from the Department for Transport.

On being proposed by the Chair and seconded by Cllr Jamil, the Committee resolved to:

RESOLVED: (UNANIMOUS)

A.    To recommend to the Combined Authority Board that it approves the revised Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), as prepared by the Combined Authority at the instruction of the Department for Transport.

B.    To recommend to the Combined Authority Board, that subject to approval of the Bus Service Improvement Plan, this be published on the Combined Authority website and a final version to be submitted to the Department for Transport.

Report providing an update on the bus reform business case and progress via the auditing process.

On being proposed by the Chair and seconded by Cllr Sanderson, the Committee voted 4 in favour, with one abstention.

A    To recommend to the CPCA Board to approve the Bus Reform Assessment (also known as the Business Case) dated 1st July 2024, as provided to the independent auditor, in line with approvals received at the September 13th 2023 CPCA board and agree that the Assessment dated 1st July 2024 supersedes Assessment Dated September 2023Recommend to the Combined Authority Board to approve the MATS Full Business Case 2 (FBC 2)

B    To recommend to the CPCA Board to proceed with the proposed bus franchising scheme, by taking the following next steps in the statutory process by: • giving notice of the proposed bus franchising scheme, and to make copies of the proposed bus franchising scheme, consultation document, Bus Reform Assessment and Audit Report available for inspection. • consulting with all statutory consultees as listed under section 123E(4) of the Transport Act 2000, as well as the general public of the region.

C    To recommend to the CPCA Board to note the final draft audit letter, as provided to CPCA by the independent auditor.

D    To recommend to the CPCA Board to delegate to the Executive Director Place and Connectivity to agree and publish the final Bus reform Assessment and to publish final Audit letter as received from the Auditor.

The Executive Director introduced the report which asked Members to note the approach of the Combined Authority to the next stages in Bus Reform within Cambridgeshire and Peterborough under the requirements of the Bus Services Act 2017 (the "Act"). The Government's Bus Back Better strategy effectively outlines two delivery options for Mayoral Combined Authorities, such as the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority: a franchise model or an Enhanced Partnership model.

During discussion, the following points were noted:

a)    The proposal was focused on increasing the Combined Authority's control over the bus network, rather than outlining specific service changes.

b)    The aim of the upcoming public consultation was to maximise engagement and collect input from as many stakeholders as possible, utilising both paper and electronic formats.

c)     The recent shift in government policy was highlighted, with an emphasis on extending bus franchising powers beyond mayoral combined authorities to include county councils and other regions. This potential expansion aligned with the recognition of the limitations of the current deregulated market.

d)    Engagement with the Department for Transport (DfT) was ongoing to understand and align with the new policies.

e)    The current business case analysis was based on the existing network, with future decisions on network changes to be made if franchising was implemented.

f)      Decisions regarding the future network would involve assessing its alignment with strategic objectives, value for money, and potential procurement methods. Considerations would include financial affordability, potential government funding, and management requirements

g)    It was clarified that the adoption of the business case did not pre-commit future budgets. Financial decisions would remain subject to the same governance and budget-setting processes as currently in place.

h)    The franchising model aimed to provide greater control and stability, particularly in managing surplus and deficit routes whilst an enhanced partnership model would build upon current operations but with limited influence over the wider network.

i)      The franchising model offered more comprehensive control, including procurement, service standards, and network branding.

j)      Franchising allowed for cross-subsidisation of routes, providing a strategic approach to managing surplus and deficit services.

k)     If approved, the consultation would start in early August and run for 14 weeks, concluding in mid-November.

l)      The Overview and Scrutiny Committee had reviewed the business case in detail with key areas of discussion including affordability and the consultation process.

m)   The consultation would utilise various methods to ensure broad participation, including from those who did not currently use bus services. These methods included electronic platforms, physical locations like bus stops, social media, direct mail and focus groups, and collaboration with Local Authorities.

n)    Insights from other Authorities' consultations would be utilised to improve the current process.

o)    A report summarising the consultation responses would be prepared and presented to the Board. The consultation results would also be reviewed by the Committee.

p)    A decision on franchising could potentially be made in early 2025, with the introduction of franchise services projected for September 2027.

On being proposed by the Chair and seconded by Cllr  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

Report providing an update on the progress of the A141 & St. Ives Improvement Study project to date and the next steps in terms of strategic work and stakeholder engagement including a public engagement exercise. 

The Assistant Director for Transport introduced the report which provided an update on the progress of the A141 & St. Ives Improvement Study project to date and the next steps in terms of strategic work and stakeholder engagement including a public engagement exercise. 

During discussion the following points were noted:

a)    Members acknowledged the efforts and improvements made to the paper and highlighted the positive direction in which the initiative was moving, noting the alignment with the Local Growth Plans recently launched by Government.

It was resolved:

A    To note the update on A141 & St. Ives Improvement Study project progress and delivery iThe Assistant Director for Transport introduced the report which provided an update on the progress of the A141 & St. Ives Improvement Study project to date and the next steps in terms of strategic work and stakeholder engagement including a public engagement exercise. 

Report providing members with an outline of the Combined Authority’s approach to active travel this year, including the development of five priorities whilst the Active Travel Strategy is developed.

On being proposed by the Chair and seconded by Cllr McDonald the Committee resolved unanimously to:

A    Note the five active travel strategic aims for 2024/25.

B    Recommend to the Combined Authority Board to approve the request for redistribution of Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP) Transport revenue funding and the moving of £143,907 from subject to approval to approved. Details of proposed spending can be found in Appendix E.

C    Subject to the Combined Authority Board approving recommendation B, approve the use of funds for a community Active Travel Grant.

D    Note the contents of the Active Travel Fund 4 (ATF4) Extension bid.

E    Recommend to the Combined Authority Board to approve the drawdown of £1.1m from Active Travel Fund 4 Extension funding.

F    Recommend to the Combined Authority Board approve the delegation of authority to the Assistant Director, Transport to enter into a Grant Funding Agreement with Cambridgeshire County Council following consultation with the Chief Financial Officer and Monitoring Officer.

The Assistant Director for Transport introduced the report which provided an update on the progress of the A141 & St. Ives Improvement Study project to date and the next steps in terms of strategic work and stakeholder engagement including a public engagement exercise. 

During discussion the following points were noted:

a)    Members acknowledged the efforts and improvements made to the paper and highlighted the positive direction in which the initiative was moving, noting the alignment with the Local Growth Plans recently launched by Government.

On being proposed by the Chair and seconded by Cllr McDonald the Committee resolved unanimously to:

A    Note the five active travel strategic aims for 2024/25.

B    Recommend to the Combined Authority Board to approve the request for redistribution of Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP) Transport revenue funding and the moving of £143,907 from subject to approval to approved. Details of proposed spending can be found in Appendix E.

C    Subject to the Combined Authority Board approving recommendation B, approve the use of funds for a community Active Travel Grant.

D    Note the contents of the Active Travel Fund 4 (ATF4) Extension bid.

E    Recommend to the Combined Authority Board to approve the drawdown of £1.1m from Active Travel Fund 4 Extension funding.

F    Recommend to the Combined Authority Board approve the delegation of authority to the Assistant Director, Transport to enter into a Grant Funding Agreement with Cambridgeshire County Council following consultation with the Chief Financial Officer and Monitoring Officer.

Report providing an update on the England’s Economic Heartland’s (EEH) Connecting Economies investment brochures and an opportunity for any further comment from Transport and Infrastructure Committee members.

Naomi Green, Managing Director of EEH, attended the meeting virtually to introduce the report and was accompanied by Adam King, the brochure’s author. The report provided an update on the EEH’s (EEH) Connecting Economies investment brochures.

During discussion, the following points were noted:

a)    The Business Board representative, who had given some quite technical and complex feedback, expressed his support for the document. He considered it a truly interactive document which stressed the importance of the link between transport and economy demonstrating the economic benefit of the transport schemes CPCA were delivering.

It was resolved to:

A    To note the updated England’s Economic Heartland’s Connecting Economies investment brochures and seek comment from Committee members.

Report providing an update on the work on March Area Transport Study (MATS) and seekign approval of the drawdown of £7,000,000 from the Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP) to continue the project.

On being proposed by the Chair and seconded by Cllr Shailer, the Committee resolved unanimously to:

A    Take note of the progress on March Area Transport Study (MATS).

B    Recommend to the Combined Authority Board to approve the MATS Full Business Case 2 (FBC 2)

C    Recommend to the Combined Authority Board, approve the drawdown of £7,000,000 of the MediumTerm Financial Plan (MTFP) from subject to approval to approved for the MATS project to be spent in Financial Years 2024/2025 and 2025/2026.

D    Recommend to the Combined Authority to delegate authority to the Assistant Director of Transport in consultation with the Chief Finance Officer and Monitoring Officer to enter into Grant Funding Agreements with Cambridgeshire County Council

The Assistant Director for Transport introduced the report which provided an update on the work on March Area Transport Study (MATS) and sought approval for the drawdown of £7,000,000 from the Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP) with the expectation that the work would be completed within two financial years.

During discussion, the following points were noted:

a)    Councillor Seaton stated that he and Fenland District Council were fully supportive of the MAT scheme.

b)    The Committee discussed the economic and strategic importance of the projects and also emphasised their support for growth in March and the Combined Authority’s commitment to supporting rural infrastructure.

On being proposed by the Chair and seconded by Cllr Shailer, the Committee resolved unanimously to:

A    Take note of the progress on March Area Transport Study (MATS).

B    Recommend to the Combined Authority Board to approve the MATS Full Business Case 2 (FBC 2)

C    Recommend to the Combined Authority Board, approve the drawdown of £7,000,000 of the MediumTerm Financial Plan (MTFP) from subject to approval to approved for the MATS project to be spent in Financial Years 2024/2025 and 2025/2026.

D    Recommend to the Combined Authority to delegate authority to the Assistant Director of Transport in consultation with the Chief Finance Officer and Monitoring Officer to enter into Grant Funding Agreements with Cambridgeshire County Council

To note the Committee Agenda Plan.

It was resolved to:

A      Note the Committee Agenda Plan.

The next meeting of the Committee is scheduled for Wednesday 18 September at 10am.

The date of the next meeting was confirmed as Wednesday 18 September 2024.

To determine whether the public and press be excluded from the meeting in accordance with Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 as amended, to discuss any item of business with exempt appendices where the discussion may involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part 1 of schedule 12A of the Act; information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

It was resolved that the press and public be excluded from the meeting on the grounds that the next report contains exempt information under Part 1 of Schedule 12A the Local Government Act 1972, as amended, and that it would not be in the public interest for this information to be disclosed. The public interest in maintaining the exemption must be deemed to outweigh the public interest in its publication.