Decision Maker:

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: October 8, 2025

Purpose:

Content: SALFORD City Council - Record of Decision   I, Councillor Mike McCusker, Lead Member for Planning, Transport and Sustainable Development, in exercise of the powers contained within the City Council Constitution, do hereby approve:   The submission of the Strategic Outline Business Case to Transport for Greater Manchester for the drawdown of £146,234.42 from Salford’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) Electric Vehicle allocation to fund the proposed Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (EVCI) pavement channel pilot.   The Reasons are: To enable residents without access to off-street parking to safely charge electric vehicles at home, supporting Salford’s clean air, decarbonisation, and inclusive transport goals. The pilot will deliver up to 100 pavement cable channels using Kerbo Charge technology, funded through Salford’s CRSTS Electric Vehicle allocation. It aligns with the Greater Manchester Electric Vehicle Strategy and contributes to the city’s Net Zero 2038 target. The scheme will generate operational insights to inform future investment and delivery models for wider rollout.   Options considered and rejected were: Trailing cables across the footway, previously approved under guidance issued in June 2024, was considered but presents safety risks and accessibility concerns. More expensive infrastructure solutions such as public charge points were also considered but are less cost-effective and do not address the specific needs of residents without off-street parking. The Kerbo Charge pavement channel solution was selected as the most suitable option for trial based on safety, feasibility, and value for money.   Assessment of Risk: Low – subject to proper consultation, legal compliance, and stakeholder engagement. Risks will be managed through established project governance procedures.   The source of funding is: The pilot scheme will be fully grant funded through Salford’s allocation from the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS), specifically the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure strand. Salford has been awarded a total of £593,000 for EV infrastructure, from which £146,234.42 will be drawn down to fund the pavement cable channel pilot. Costs will be reclaimed via Transport for Greater Manchester’s quarterly grant claim process.   Legal Advice obtained: Legal advice was provided by Kathryn Saldanha (Commercial Legal Team) and Helen Chapman (Highways Legal Team). The Council will be required to enter into a Grant Funding Agreement with the GMCA upon successful application to TfGM. Procurement will be via exception, in line with the Council’s Financial Regulations and the Procurement Act 2023. The proposed works fall under Section 62 of the Highways Act 1980 as improvements to the highway and must comply with Section 41 maintenance duties and Section 130 obligations to protect public use and enjoyment of the highway.   Financial Advice obtained: Financial advice was provided by Anthony Rigby, Senior Accountant. The pilot scheme will be funded from Salford’s CRSTS Electric Vehicle allocation of £593,000, with £146,234.42 allocated for this phase. The scheme is included in the Place Infrastructure programme for 2025/26 and costs will be reclaimed via TfGM’s quarterly grant claim process. The scheme is considered low risk, subject to proper consultation, legal compliance, and stakeholder engagement.   Procurement Advice obtained: Procurement advice was provided by Christine Flisk. A single supplier (Kerbo Charge) has been identified as suitable for the trial. Approval will be sought for an exception to Contractual Standing Orders to allow direct award. Executive Directors, in consultation with Lead Members, are authorised to approve exceptions up to £150,000. Following the trial, a procurement strategy will be developed for future phases.   HR Advice obtained: N/A   Climate Change Advice obtained: The scheme supports Salford’s decarbonisation goals and contributes to the city’s Net Zero 2038 target by enabling more residents to transition to electric vehicles. It promotes inclusive access to sustainable transport and complements existing infrastructure.   The following documents have been used to assist the decision process: ·             Strategic Outline Business Case – CRSTS Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (EVCI) Pavement Channel Pilot ·             Risk Register – CRSTS EVCI   Contact Officer:     Lee Evans: Group Leader Sustainable Travel lee.evans@salford.gov.uk Deborah Willemen: Infrastructure Project Manager Deborah.willemen@salford.gov.uk   §  This decision is not subject to consideration by another Lead Member.   §  The appropriate scrutiny panel to call-in this decision is the Growth & Prosperity Scrutiny Panel.               Signed: Councillor Mike McCusker         Dated: 8th October 2025 Lead Member for Planning, Transport & Sustainable Development     This decision was published on 10th October 2025.   This decision will come into force at 4.00 p.m. on 17th October 2025, unless it is called-in in accordance with the decision-making process rules.