Agenda item - Transport for the South East Proposals

Report of the Chair, Greater Brighton Officer Programme Board (copy attached).

1)            That the Board notes the proposals and requests an update report be brought back to the Board on the emerging shadow body arrangements and any potential impact on the Greater Brighton City Region within the next 12 months.

23.1      The Board considered a report of the Chair, the Greater Brighton Officer Programme Board that updated Members on the emerging shadow body arrangements for a Sub National Transport Body (SNTB) and commitment made by the constituent Authorities to working up a SNTB proposal. If approved, an update report detailing the emerging shadow body arrangements and any potential impact on the Greater Brighton City Region would be presented to the Board within the next 12 months.

23.2      Andrew Swayne stated his belief that the constituent Authorities had to part of the preliminary discussions on the establishment of a SNTB or risked losing out. Rail and road link improvements were essential and there would have to be a demonstration on the value on return.

23.3      John A. Peel stated that the process was moving more quickly than many people knew and the National Infrastructure Committee (NIC) had already published a map outlining proposals. The A23 and M23 were critical routes in the Greater Brighton area and neither had been included in the draft outline. John A. Peel noted that Coast to Capital (C2C) had written to the NIC stating their objection to that.

23.4      The Chair stated that he was concerned by that issue and would write on behalf of the Board to the NIC.

23.5      Geoff Raw noted that the SE7 had demonstrated an appetite to move quickly on the matter pulling together existing work and there may be potential difficult choices on prioritisation. Geoff Raw added that he understood from ministers that it was unlikely that the Treasury would provide funding unless there was a related growth dividend in return.

23.6      Councillor Smith noted that the South East region was a net contributor to the national economy and that should be understood by the Treasury.

23.7      Nick Hibberd stated that during SE7 conversations with the DfT some months ago, it was clear the DfT were very keen for the establishment of SNTB’s across the country. Whilst that attitude had softened of late, there were opportunities for the south east region. The historical work undertaken by the GBEB and 3SC’s had established a clear set of priorities and there would be opportunity for the various district and borough council’s to make their voices heard. Nick Hibberd stated that the next few months would be key in terms on the model that is followed although the full picture provided from government was not currently as clear as hoped.

23.8      Councillor Wall stated his agreement that the government position on the matter had softened. Councillor Wall added that every local authority and business leader recognised the current transport system was not fit for purpose and the Greater Brighton Region collectively needed to maintain pressure as it may get left behind and proposals were drawn up and agreed.

23.9      RESOLVED- That the Board notes the proposals and requests an update report be brought back to the Board on the emerging shadow body arrangements and any potential impact on the Greater Brighton City Region within the next 12 months.