Decision details

The Committee considered the report relating to the Budget Approval and acceptance of the Department for Transport (DfT) grant for the Middlewich Eastern Bypass (MEB). Members reviewed updated cost estimates, funding options, and associated financial implications, noting that the scheme remained a critical strategic infrastructure project for unlocking economic growth in the borough.

Members noted the risks of delay or cancellation and that the contractors final cost for the scheme was yet to be provided. Members confirmed that the preferred approach was to agree the funding adjustments within the Medium-Term Financial Strategy. It was noted that the Council had received £46.78m of DfT grant funding and that the Council had invested, to date, £27m through borrowing. Officers committed to providing a more detailed breakdown.

The Committee welcomed the report and agreed that it was essential to deliver the project for not just Middlewich and for the wider borough which would see improved connectivity, development opportunities and economic growth. It was noted that the final decision would be made, once the contractors final cost was known, at the Highways and Transport Committee in January.

RESOLVED (unanimously):

That the Corporate Policy Committee recommend to Full Council

1.    To accept the remaining £23.304m grant monies payable over 26/27 and 27/28 from the Department for Transport to be spent on the delivery of the scheme, when received to:

a)    Authorise the Executive Director of Resources and Section 151 Officer to:

                                 i.       accept the DfT Grant allocation of £22.876m in 26/27 and £0.428m in 27/28. towards the MEB.

                                ii.       sign and return the Grant Letter by the DfT Page 276

2.    to approve a supplementary capital estimate for remaining grant monies.

3.     to approve an increase in the allocated budget for the MEB from £97.94m to £107.67m for inclusion on the Council’s Capital Programme. To agree that the increase of £9.73m be obtained from allocations from the 2025/26 Local Transport Fund of £1m and a request to the Shadow Board of the new Combined Authority in the near future for a minimum of £5.54m allocation of the Local Transport Capital Grant as detailed in the report and to authorise a supplementary capital estimate/ virement of the monies to the scheme.

4.    to allocate £1.24m surplus monies contained within the Congleton Link Road major highways scheme towards the project and authorise a supplementary capital estimate / virement of the monies to the scheme.

5.    to allocate any future proceeds from the sale of the land and property acquired in addition to the land acquired under the Compulsory Purchase Order during scheme development to the MEB project.