Purpose

On 4 October 2023, the government announced £8.3 billion of additional highways maintenance funding over the period 2023 to 2033 for highway maintenance funding. For the financial year 2023/24 a further £3.661m has been allocated for Lancashire in addition to the funds already approved for the Highway Block of the Capital Programme.

This report recommends approval for the Department for Transport's additional allocation for Highway Maintenance for 2023/24, that is £3.661 million, to the highway block of the capital programme.

This is deemed to be a Key Decision and the provisions of Standing Order C21 have been complied with. Compliance with Standing Orders C19 and C20 was not possible due to the funds only being announced on 4 October 2023 and details confirmed by Department for Transport on 29 November, with recommendations for apportionment of the funds not being decided in time for December Cabinet.

Decision

The Leader of the County Council, and the Cabinet Member for Highways and Tranport, approved the recommendations as set out in the report.

This decision should be implemented immediately for the purposes of Standing Order C29 as any delay could adversely affect the execution of the County Council's responsibilities.  The reason for this is to ensure work starts immediately in January to ensure priority areas are addressed.