Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: March 19, 2025

Purpose: Report detailing the Black Country Transport and Wolverhampton Major Transport Investment Programme 2025-2026

Content: 1.      That the list of projects for Wolverhampton Strategic Transport and Black Country Transport development and implementation as part of the Transportation Capital Programme 2025-2026 and future years, as set out in Appendices 2, 3 and 4 to the report be approved.   2.      That the Head of Strategic Transport be authorised to proceed with development work for each project detailed in Appendices 2, 3 and 4 to the report including surveying, site investigation, options appraisal. Feasibility analysis, traffic modelling, detailed design, statutory advertising and public consultation, as appropriate.   3.      That capital and revenue budgets for 2024-2025, 2025-2026 and future years as set out in section 6.2 of the report be approved subject to the confirmation of funding, action of the required virements and transfer of the relevant grants to Walsall Council, Dudley Council and Sandwell Council for works they have undertaken.   4.      That revenue development schemes in section 6.6 of the report to be funded as part of the approved revenue budgets for 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 be approved.   5.      That the Cabinet Member for Transport and Green City, in consultation with the Director of Resident Services and Director of Finance be authorised to approve the implementation of any development and delivery works on projects in Appendices 2, 3 and 4 to the report subject to the satisfactory outcome of public consultation, budget approval and any other relevant considerations.   6.      That the Cabinet Member for Transport and Green City and the Cabinet Member for Resources, in consultation with the Director of Resident Services and Director of Finance be authorised to approve appropriate virements between existing approved budgets within the transport capital programme, maximising use of resources.   7.      That the Chief Operating Officer be authorised to serve all necessary notices in respect of the projects listed in Appendices 2, 3 and 4 to the report and, subject to there being no unresolved objections, make traffic regulation orders as required.   8.      That the Black Country Director of Transport be authorised to enter into funding agreements with Black Country Authorities to passport Black Country Transport scheme funding in accordance with the approved collaboration agreement.   9.      That it be noted, the Cabinet Member for Transport and Green City and Cabinet Member for Resources, in consultation with the Director of Resident Services, Director of Finance and Chief Operating Officer would approve any new supplementary capital and revenue budgets for any projects from Appendices 2, 3 and 4 to the report fully funded through either external resources or reserves, in accordance with supplementary budget procedures.   10.   That the inclusion of revenue funding as part of the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements (CRSTS) Development Funding package, Capacity Funding and Capability and Ambition Fund (CAF) to support the development of the programme and the wider Black Country Transport Programme be noted. The projected revenue outturn for 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 also be noted and this would be subject to ongoing review.   11.   That it be noted, the Head of Strategic Transport and Black Country Director of Transport would make applications and bids for additional external funding and that agreement ahead of submission would be obtained from the Director of Finance and appropriate governance would be followed to amend budgets on receipt of such funding.   12.   That it be noted, the Director of Finance would approve the Council entering into funding agreements with the various funding bodies to receive both capital and revenue grant funding in respect of the delivery of projects included in this report including the development of schemes and management of the Black Country Transport Programme.   13.   That it be noted, this Black Country Transport and Wolverhampton Major Transport Investment Programme is complementary and aligns with the work outlined in the Highways Capital Programme. The ongoing inclusion of £100,000 of Advanced Design budget in the approved Investing to improve our city’s roads programme for the development of schemes included in this programme be noted.