Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from the following members of the panel:

Cllr Keith Inston

Cllr Phillip Bateman declared a non-pecuniary interest in agenda item 5 West Midlands Strategic Transport Plan

[To approve the minutes of the previous meeting as a correct record]

Cllr Haynes queried the comments attributed to him during the discussion on waste management and minimisation and the collection of food waste.

Cllr Haynes commented that his point was could the Council afford not to have a food waste collection service and also there was concern about waste contamination and the costs involved in separating food waste.

Resolved:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 23.7.15,subject to the agreed changes, be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

[To consider any matter arising from the minutes]

Minute 6 – ‘Rent with confidence’ campaign

Scrutiny Officer explained that a briefing paper relating to the cost against impact of the rent confidence proposals and other initiatives to improve the City’s housing offer will be sent to panel members before the end of September 2015.

Minute 7 Waste management and minimisation

Scrutiny Officer explained that the issue of food waste process has been added to the panel work programme. The item will be included in the report to be presented to a future meeting of Scrutiny Board.

Minute 8 Relocation of Wolverhampton indoor and outdoor market

Scrutiny Officer advised the panel that its comments on the layout and design of the leaflet were considered by the design group. The panel will be sent samples of the publicity material for distribution if any changes are made.

[Marianne Page, Service Lead - Transport Strategy, to invite comments of the panel on the West Midlands Strategic Transport Plan]

Marianne Page, Service Lead, Transport Strategy Manager, introduced the report and explained that the panel were being invited to respond to the three questions in the consultation document. Service Lead gave an overview of the background to strategy.

Jake Thrush, Transport Strategy Manager, West Midlands Integrated Transport Authority (ITA) Policy & Strategy Team, gave a detailed presentation on the West Midlands Strategic Transport Plan and the groups which have been consulted informally about the proposals. Transport Strategy Manager explained the public consultation ends on 16 October 2015.

Transport Strategy Manager outlined the main points of the public consultation plan. The plan had been drafted in response to predicted growth in population and the forecast increase of an extra million journeys per day.

The importance and benefits of improved transport infrastructure network to boosting the economic performance of the West Midlands region was highlighted.

Transport Strategy Manager commented on the importance of having a vision for the future of transport that was fit for the sixth largest economy. Transport Strategy Manager explained that focus of the strategy was on making the best use of what is currently available, supported by additional public transport capacity, improved road junctions and changes to encourage walking and cycling and use of smart technologies; while recognising the challenge presented by the limited highway capacity.

Transport Strategy Manager commented on the work being done to develop performance indicators and the work done with transport colleagues in the East Midlands to look at better road and rail connections across central England. 

Transport Strategy Manager discussed work being done to promote cycling and the development of a cycling charter. 

Transport Strategy Manager outlined the four tiers of the overall transport system detailed in the plan:

·         National/regional

·         Metropolitan. For example, the development of rail and rapid transit network – a scheme is expected to be running on the Hagley Road, Birmingham in 2016.

·         Local

·         Intelligent/Smart mobility strategy (The Intelligent/Smart Mobility agenda is concerned with meeting traveller’s needs through efficient and seamless journeys)

The plan covers a 20 year period and is likely to cost about £6.5 billion. Transport Strategy Manager commented on the high level of investment in London and Manchester transport systems and the benefits it had brought for commuters and the economy.

The panel made the following comments and or queries about the transport plan

·         The impact and benefits of HS2. The panel queried that the document did not highlight the benefits to west midlands region and the potential benefits to Wolverhampton and the extent to which the area can take advantage of the scheme. Transport Strategy Manager explained that two new stations will be built – Curzon Street and Interchange. Curzon Street which will provide a link to other areas. Transport Strategy Manager highlighted the importance of having good access to both planned stations.

·         There is work being done by the Combined Authority to look at maximising the benefits of HS2 for the region and Wolverhampton.  The HS2 line will provide more connections and provide rapid transport links.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.