The Public Rights of Way and Access Service adopted asset management principles for the maintenance of the PROW network in 2007. This approach has brought benefits in targeting investment in the network, managing risk and evaluating new products and materials where they may help reduce long term expenditure. This plan has now been reviewed and updated.
Alternatives to the continued operation of asset management principles for Public Rights of Way maintenance have not been considered.
How the proposed decision meets the objectives of ‘Increasing Opportunities, Improving Outcomes: Kent County Council’s Strategic Statement (2015-2020)’: The strategic direction for the management of the PRoW network is set out in the Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP), adopted by the County Council in November 2018. The ROWIP is aligned to meeting the County Council’s strategic objectives:
· Children and young people in Kent get the best start in life.
· Kent communities feel the benefits of economic growth by being in work, healthy and enjoying a good quality life.
· Older and vulnerable residents are safe and supported with choices to live independently.
Decision type: Key
Reason Key: Affects more than two Electoral Divisions;
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Division affected: (All Division);
Notice of proposed decision first published: 03/09/2019
Decision due: Not before 2nd Oct 2019 by Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services
Lead member: Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services
Lead director: Stephanie Holt-Castle
Department: Growth, Environment & Transport
Contact: Graham Rusling, Public Rights of Way & Access Service Manager 03000 413449 Email: graham.rusling@kent.gov.uk Tel: 01622 696995.
Consultation process
The Asset Management Plan has been revised in
line with the Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) which was
subject to wide-ranging public consultation in 2018
Consultees
The Rights of Way Improvement Plan was subject to wide ranging consultation in 2018. All Members were consulted on the plan. The Asset Management Plan underpins the delivery of the maintenance elements of that plan.
The proposed decision was considered and endorsed at the Environment and Transport Cabinet Committee on 10 October 2019.
Financial implications: The Asset Management Plan provides detail about the current levels of investment in the asset, its condition, any associated backlog of repair and the level of investment required to manage risks associated with failure of the asset. This information is used to inform bids for capital funding and uplift to revenue funding through the medium-term financial planning process. The Kent County Council budget book identifies £720K capital investment for the current financial year 2019-20 (Budget book page 67 – row 2.) A further £100k capital investment has been identified from borrowing. A further £300k is identified for urgent works to Essella Road – rail bridge. (Budget book page 70 line 14) Of the PRoW & Access Service revenue allocation of £1.326M (inclusive of grants and income) approximately £482K is available for maintenance work including vegetation clearance.
Legal implications: The County Council has a statutory obligation to maintain the highway in a condition that is safe and passable by the ordinary traffic of the area at all times of the year particularly having regard to the needs of those with a disability.
Equalities implications: A comprehensive EQIA was completed for the Rights of Way Improvement Plan 2018. The Rights of Way Asset Management Plan forms part of the evidence base for the Rights of Way Improvement Plan. A further scoping referencing the ROWIP EQIA has been completed. No issues have been identified beyond those fully considered for the Rights of Way Improvement Plan