Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

There were no declarations of interest.

This report has been attached to the Supplmentary Agenda.

(TAKE IN REPORT)

David Williams, Chief Executive, introduced the report which summarised the outcome of the peer review of the transport function and recommendations for member consideration.

The peer review and consideration of the creation of a new post of Director of Transport had been requested by the committee at its meeting held on 9 March 2022, following the resignation of two Assistant Directors (Assistant Director for Transport and the Assistant Director for Strategic Development).

He advised the committee that the Peer Review had been fruitful and it had been very obvious from the outset that the city council's transport function was highly regarded and had been incredibly successful in attracting funding.

He was pleased that the conclusions of the external consultants had mirrored those of the council that there was no justification for the creation of a separate Director of Transport position and commended this recommendation to the committee.

The committee was supportive of the recommendations and commended the city council's transport function.

Whilst not forming a dedicated recommendation, in respect of paragraphs 4.1.1 and 4.1.2 it was suggested that the Constitution Working Group may wish to look at processes with regard to governing access to information and papers by non-ruling political groups across portfolios and directorates.

Councillor Darren Sanders proposed an additional recommendation:

'The committee welcomed the comments of the Peer review that the city council's transport function was highly regarded by funders and external stakeholders.'

This proposal was duly seconded by Councillor Simon Bosher and following a vote was declared carried.

Following a vote on the recommendations contained within the report and incorporating the additional recommendation in the name of Councillor Darren Sanders it was

RESOLVED that

i.      The recommendations of the peer review in relation to the three key areas of investigation be NOTED;

ii.   The pros and cons of the creation of a new Directorate/Director of Transport be NOTED;

iii.   The Transport function be retained within the Directorate of Regeneration;

iv.   The further work to be undertaken by officers to improve structures within the Regeneration Directorate in line with the recommendations of the peer review be NOTED; and

v.    The committee welcomed the comments of the Peer review that the city council's transport function was highly regarded by funders and external stakeholders.