Councillor R B Howe, Executive Leader to present on the activities of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority.
Councillors R C Carter and T Hayward to provide an update on the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
In accordance with the Protocol agreed at the February 2017 meeting, this item provides an opportunity for District Council Members to ask questions and comment on Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority issues.
If Members wish to raise questions or issues requiring a detailed response, it would be helpful if they can provide prior notice so that the necessary information can be obtained in advance of the meeting.
(Notes: Update 10 Minutes
Questions 10 Minutes).
Minutes:
Councillor R B Howe presented an update of the activities of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority by way of a PowerPoint presentation. A copy of the presentation is appended in the Minute Book and would be circulated to all Members. Councillor Howe also reported upon the outcome of the Combined Authority meeting held earlier that day and informed Members that it had been agreed that the Mayor of the Combined Authority would receive a remuneration of £70k and they had appointed Mr M Whiteley as their Chief Executive.
Members also noted that a business case had been presented for Peterborough University funded by the LEP and Combined Authority and then out to Government and private institutions to fund in the region of £60m, accommodating 20k students to degree level courses. A presentation was received on the Interim Local Transport Plan with preliminary findings into the extension of the A47, development of the A10, extension of the M11 and A428 corridor development. Councillor Howe also reported that the Mayor had been asked to investigate the provision of a light railway solution between St Neots and Whilttlesey.
In referring to the 100 day plan commitments, a document that had been circulated to all Members previously, Councillor Howe reported upon the RAG status of the commitments set out in the plan.
With reference to recent conflicts in the provision of roadworks conflicting with use of the A1(M) as reported by Councillor T Alban, Councillor Howe explained that the Combined Authority was not currently responsible for this area but responsible for strategic development.
Arising from a question by Councillor Ms L A Duffy on the ability of the Combined Authority to take forward provision of a suitable rural bus service, Councillor Howe explained that the new Transportation Strategy that had been published today combined the plans of Peterborough City Council and Cambridgeshire County Council and although buses would feature, the Combined Authority had also been keen to develop other forms of public transport.
Councillor Mrs S J Conboy highlighted her concern of the speed of decision making of the Combined Authority and ability to ensure Members are kept abreast of any decisions, whereby Councillor Howe explained that it had been agreed to publish a monthly newsletter and update report to all Members, together with a concise digest of what the Combined Authority had achieved in the previous period and decisions taken.
Arising from the report of development of a light railway solution, Councillor B S Chapman questioned the timescale for development of such a project, whereby Councillor Howe reported that the Combined Authority had authorised for the commissioning of a transport feasibility study to be undertaken, including the provision of an underground system in Cambridge, with proposals reported within 6-9 months.
Councillors R C Carter and T Hayward provided an update on the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Overview and Scrutiny Committee. A copy of their PowerPoint presentation has been appended in the Minute Book. They reported upon their attendance at a meeting on 26th June 2017 and had reviewed the Agenda for the forthcoming Combined Authority meeting that had been held earlier that day, as well as looking at the Combined Authority Forward Plan and reviewing the Overview and Scrutiny Work Programme. It was noted that Councillor Hayward had been appointed Vice-Chairman for the ensuing Municipal Year and he would be chairing the next meeting held on 24th July 2017 in the absence of the Chairman. Members attention was drawn to concerns expressed by the Committee of the over ambitious nature of the 100 day plan and difficulty in achieving all targets. In relation to specific issues for Huntingdonshire, it was reported that all infrastructure improvements had been supported with the A1 and rail improvements.
Members noted the work programme for the next meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and they would have an opportunity to question Portfolio Holders and receive a presentation on the Interim Local Transport Plan.
Councillor J D Ablewhite concluded by commending that this authority had been well represented on the Combined Authority in the leading roles enabling the Council to be in a good position to deliver and scrutinise and congratulated Councillor Hayward on his appointment.
Actions:20 Minutes.