To accept the DFT funding to enable the StAR programme to be delivered. Specifically approval is sought to spend the grant in order to:
· Pay staffing costs associated with delivering the programme
· To delegate authority to the Director of Highways Transportation and Waste to procure, award and amend contracts as necessary
· Make grants to transport operators, community interest companies and businesses in accordance with agreement procedures.
KCC submitted a successful bid to the Department for Transport's Access Fund (Sustainable Travel Revenue competition) and was awarded £1,451,657.20 for the period March 2017- March 2020.
Star is an integrated package of measures to meet KCC's strategic aim that "Kent Communities feel the benefits of economic growth by being in work, healthy and enjoying a good quality of life" The measures proposed support economic development and healthy lifestyles by encouraging use of active and sustainable modes of travel to access employment, education and training. They are targeted at locations that have received local Growth Fund Investment, as well as significant economic development sites across Kent due to be completed before 2020, and will build on previous Local Sustainable Transport Fund Schemes eg the Kent Connected website
Improving transport is identified in the KCC Strategic Statement 2015-2020 under Outcome 2: Kent Communities feel the benefits of economic growth by being in work, healthy and enjoying a good quality of life.
Decision type: Key
Reason Key: Expenditure or savings of more than £1m;
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Division affected: (All Division);
Notice of proposed decision first published: 05/05/2017
Decision due: Not before 1st Jun 2017 by Cabinet Member for Planning, Highways, Transport and Waste
Reason: to allow publication on the FED for 28 days
Lead director: Roger Wilkin
Contact: Charlotte Owen, Safer Mobility Team Leader 03000 411658 Email: charlotte.owen@kent.gov.uk.
Consultation process
Results from the Active Travel Strategy were used to inform the development of the bid.
The Environment and Transport Cabinet Committee will consider the matter at its meeting on 15 June 2017
The programme is county-wide and will affect all divisions and Members
Financial implications: The programme is externally funded , made up of DfT grant and external partner match funding. A small amount of match funding has been provided by KCC in the form of staff time to deliver some of the project. The payment to the County Council will be released in two segments each year - 75% in July and 25% in May
Legal implications: KCC will enter into legal agreeements with partner organisations who are delivering individual projects. This will secure agreement for the delivery as outlined in the bid
Equalities implications: An EQIA will be carried out