Issue - meetings

Cabinet considered a response to the motion submitted to the Council on 18^th July 2013.

Councillor David Brickhill had proposed, and Cllr Michael Parsons had seconded the following motion:

“That three Highways Committees be formed to correspond to the three old District boundaries with one Member from each local Ward entitled to sit on them. All highways alterations must first be discussed by the appropriate Committee, which will send a recommendation to the Cabinet Member. All delegated powers to alter or make highways orders, other than temporary closure orders, must first be subjected to this process. That priorities for implementation will be decided by the appropriate Committee if there are budgetary constraints.”

The Leader had spoken to Councillor Brickhill who had been unable to attend the meeting. The main point of concern appeared to be the lack of adequate arrangements for notifying local ward members of highways proposals affecting their wards and the lack of an opportunity for them to submit their comments before a decision is taken. The Portfolio Holder for Environment acknowledged that there was a need to improve communications with local ward members and he would be considering ways of achieving this including the holding of drop-in sessions and road shows.

RESOLVED

That the proposal to establish area highways committees be not pursued but the Portfolio Holder for Environment consider ways to improve communications with local ward members in respect of highways proposals.