Issue - meetings

This report explains the Government’s approach to the devolution of post 2014 funding for major transport schemes, including the creation of Local Transport Bodies (LTBs).  It sets out the principles of the Government’s approach and the different options arising from this for York.

RESOLVED:       That Cabinet agree to the DfT being notified that York wishes to be included in the arrangements for a Local Transport Body for West Yorkshire and York, subject to agreement of the detailed Governance arrangements.

REASON:            This approach offers the greatest potential to maximise the level of transport funding for York, particularly by realising the benefits of the Leeds City Region City Deal, and to align with economic investment to support growth.

Consideration was given to a report which explained the Government’s approach to the devolution of post 2014 funding for major transport schemes, including the creation of Local Transport Bodies (LTB’s).

It was reported that for the next spending review period the Government wished to create a devolved funding system based on voluntary partnerships with decisions taken by local partners at a local level. As the City of York Council was a Local Transport Authority which sat in two overlapping Local Enterprise Partnership boundaries the following different LTB options were considered:

Option 1: York LTB

Option 2: Leeds City Region LTB

Option 3: West Yorkshire and York LTB

Option 4: North Yorkshire and York LTB

An analysis of these options was set out at paragraphs 8 to 30 of the report with information on the preferred option at paragraphs 31 to 33.

The Cabinet Member referred to the reduced funding level for capital schemes and to the need to secure other funding for any major schemes. He confirmed that negotiations would be undertaken with the agreed partners to ensure that any terms and conditions provided minimum guarantees and benefits for the city.

RESOLVED:       That Cabinet agree to the DfT being notified that York wishes to be included in the arrangements for a Local Transport Body for West Yorkshire and York, subject to agreement of the detailed Governance arrangements. ^1.

REASON:            This approach offers the greatest potential to maximise the level of transport funding for York, particularly by realising the benefits of the Leeds City Region City Deal, and to align with economic investment to support growth.