Agenda item

Report of the Director of the Built Environment.

NB: This report has been considered and approved by the Streets and Walkways and Projects Sub-Committee.

The Sub-Committee considered a report of the Director of the Built Environment concerning the allocation of funding in connection with the Bank Junction Improvements Experimental Scheme.

Members express concern about the increase in cost. They also felt that it was not clear how the additional £208k requested to cover staff costs would be spent.

Reference was made to the income generated from the fines levied on prohibited vehicles entering the area and Members questioned whether the funds would be allocated to the On Street Parking Reserve (OSPR). A Member commented that it would be helpful if in future requests for increased budgets were also be accompanied by details of the position of the current budget.

Reference was also made to feedback which had been received from taxi drivers about it not being clear how far down into the area taxis were allowed to travel.

The Project Manager was heard in support of the report. She explained that the Bank Junction Experimental project was unique and that it was complex. Therefore, it had been difficult to gauge the budget for the project. She advised that the distribution of the income generated from fines would be the subject of a separate report. The Deputy Chamberlain clarified that any income allocated to the OSPR was reported annually, but that allocations from the fund were made throughout the year.

A Member reiterated his concerns that there was insufficient detail on exactly how the additional funds being requested would be spent and suggested that the approval of the allocation of the additional resources be delegated to the Town Clerk in consultation with the Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen of the Resource Allocation and Projects Sub-Committees pending the provision of further information. Members supported the suggestion.

RESOLVED – that the approval of the allocation of the additional resources (£208,306) be delegated to the Town Clerk in consultation with the Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen of the Resource Allocation and Projects Sub-Committees pending the provision of more detailed information on how it was intended the money would be spent.