Decision

To delegate the authority
currently reserved to the Head of Highway’s under Paragraph
15, subsections (af) and (ba) of Part 3 of the Council’s
Constitution to the Head of Strategic Transport.

Reasons for the decision

Paragraph 15, subsections (af)
and (ba) of Part 3 of the Council’s Constitution pertain
exclusively to the Council’s obligations to enter into
agreements under Sections 278 and 38 of the Highways Act. These
responsibilities fall within the Strategic Highways functional area
of the Environment and Transport Business Unit, rather than
Highways and Engineering. Delegating these specific powers will
align decision-making authority with the Head of Service
responsible for executing functions related to Sections 278 and 38
of the Highways Act, ensuring the appropriate service handles these
decisions.

Alternative options considered

The decision to transfer
authority as detailed above is based on the need for streamlined
and efficient decision-making. Given that these functions are
already managed within the Strategic Transport sdepartment,
delegating these associated powers ensures that the
responsibilities are aligned with the appropriate service. This
alignment eliminates any potential for confusion or overlap in
responsibilities, thereby enhancing operational
efficiency.
 
No alternative options need to
be considered as this transfer directly places decision-making
authority with the service already tasked with executing these
functions. This approach is both logical and practical, ensuring
that the processes related to Section 278 and 38 obligations are
handled by the most qualified and relevant team. Consequently, this
transfer supports the Council’s commitment to effective
governance and service delivery.