Cabinet to adopt the Kent Rail Strategy 2021 and the associated policies.
· Reason for the decision – To provide KCC with a new rail policy for the next South Eastern agreement, with clear and concise objectives to meet the forecast needs of Kent’s rail passengers.
· Background – The Department for Transport is expected to commence a new public consultation, in late 2021 or 2022, on the train service requirement for the new South Eastern agreement, which is expected to commence in 2022 or 2023. This new Kent Rail Strategy 2021 sets out KCC’s priorities for Kent’s rail services for the next decade and reflects the expected increase in demand generated by the planned growth in housing and population in the county to 2031.
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: 15/01/2021
This decision will be taken under urgency procedures.
Reason for urgency:
More than 5 days' notice - semi-urgent
Delayed publication of FED due to admin error. Notice and intention to take decision on 25 January published elsewhere on KCC website and discussed at Committee meetings.
Decision due: 25 Jan 2021 by Cabinet
Lead member: Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport
Lead director: Stephanie Holt-Castle
Department: Growth, Environment & Transport
Contact: Email: stephen.gasche@kent.gov.uk Tel: 01622 221995.
Consultees
The Environment and Transport Cabinet
Committee was consulted on 15 September 2020 and they endorsed the
proposals.
Financial implications: None
Legal implications: None Data Protection implications – a DPIA was not required as there are no Data Protection implications arising from the recommendations in the report.
Equalities implications: An EqIA has been undertaken and approved by the diversity and equality team. The expectation is that the delivery of the proposed outputs and outcomes in the Kent Rail Strategy 2021 would provide a medium level of positive impact for passengers whose mobility is impaired and/or who are elderly, those who may be pregnant or have babies or very young children, and those who are carers.