Changes to Department for Transport (DfT) rules for funding highway maintenance have been introduced through its Incentive Fund to encourage local authorities to embed the use of asset management techniques into their management of highway maintenance and decision making around funding and priorities. The main aim of the asset management approach being encouraged by DfT is to clearly link investment decisions with an understanding of what that means in terms of outcomes. In January 2016, Kent assessed itself as a Band 1 authority for Incentive Fund purposes.
Kent’s target was to get to Band 2 during 2016 for 2017/18 and Band 3 during 2017 for 2018/19, to maximise Capital maintenance resource. We achieved Band 2 in January 2017.
This key decision concerns the adoption of a development of the approach described in the “Our Approach to Asset Management in Highways” and “Implementing our Approach to Asset Management in Highways”, by adopting “Developing our Approach to Asset Management in Highways 2018/19 – 2020/21” which reflects the use of better information and more advanced asset management methodology.
Assuming “Developing our Approach to Asset Management in Highways 2018/19 – 2020/21” is formally adopted, Kent will be able to submit a Band 3 Incentive Fund rating in February 2018.
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: 20/12/2017
Decision due: Not before 2nd Feb 2018 by Cabinet Member for Planning, Highways, Transport and Waste
Reason: In order that the proposed decision can be publsihed for a minimum of 28 days, in accordance with statutory requirements
Lead member: Cabinet Member for Planning, Highways, Transport and Waste
Lead director: Roger Wilkin
Department: Growth, Environment & Transport
Contact: Alan Casson, Strategic Asset Manager 03000 413563 Email: alan.casson@kent.gov.uk Tel: 01622 221896.
Consultees
Cabinet Committee consultation planned or undertaken
This was discussed at the Environment and Transport Cabinet Committee on 31 January 2018.
Which Divisions / Local Members are particularly affected?
All
Have views been sought from local members?
Views were sought during 2016 through a Member Task and Finish Group including representatives from each political grouping. This latest document represents a development of work streams agreed during that process.
Financial implications: Adopting and publishing Developing our Approach to Asset Management in Highways - 2018/19 – 2020/21 will enable KCC to evidence to Government a Band 3 rating which in turn will enable Kent to secure an Incentive Fund allocation of £4.6m in 2018/19 compared to £3.2m for a Band 2 rating. This is not new money – rather it is a case of demonstrating we have good asset management in order to secure current funding levels.
Legal implications: Changes to Department for Transport (DfT) rules for funding highway maintenance have been introduced through its Incentive Fund to encourage local authorities to embed the use of asset management techniques into their management of highway maintenance and decision making around funding and priorities