Agenda item

Report of the Corporate Director of Environment and Resident Experience. To be presented by the Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Environment & Transport

The Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Environment and Transport introduced the report. It was explained that the Council recognised the need to challenge the car-centric assumptions that had dominated cities for decades and embarked on a transformative journey toward more vibrant, equitable, and sustainable communities. It was explained that the vision was of streets that prioritised people over vehicles and that the Council envisioned public spaces that fostered social interaction and community cohesion, with ample green infrastructure to boost mental wellbeing and climate resilience. It imagined a transport network that offered genuine choice, connecting people to opportunities and services regardless of their background or ability.

It was explained by the Cabinet Member that, as the Council embarked on this journey, it recognised a unique opportunity to shape a future where urban mobility was synonymous with freedom, health, equity, and sustainability.

In response to comments and questions from Cllr Emery, the following information was shared:

• The Cabinet Member explained that the ambition of the programme was considered significant and the strategies of the Walking and Cycling Action Plan underpinned the development of this strategy. It was explained that the criteria for the development of projects within the plan’s scope depended on location, traffic flow, and impact.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1. Approved the Streets for People Investment Plan for the 2025/26 to 2029/30 financial years, as set out in Appendices 2, 3, and 4. This included a combination of SCIL funding and the carry forward of this funding. The Council also had LIP funding as part of the fourth iteration of the Local Implementation Plan (LIP4). It was noted that capital programmes for future years were under review and that the carry forward of resources from 2024/25 was subject to a separate decision when Cabinet considered the outturn report in July. This could have affected the overall level of investment.
   
   
2. Delegated decisions relating to scheme design to the Director of Resident Experience or the Head of Highways and Parking, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Environment, and Transport, subject to key decisions being considered by Cabinet. No decisions were to be taken by the Director of Resident Experience or the Head of Highways and Parking until after the conclusion of the call-in period following this decision.

3. Authorised the Head of Highways and Parking to:
   (a) Carry out any required consultation to deliver the schemes identified in the Streets for People Investment Plan for 2025/26; and, having had due regard to all consultation responses and considered whether a public inquiry should be held,
   (b) Make any necessary traffic management orders to give effect to the schemes in the 2025/26 financial year, subject to key decisions being considered by Cabinet and no decisions being taken until after the conclusion of the call-in period.

Reasons for Decision

The Streets for People Investment Plan set out the Council’s projects for the next five financial years and how they aligned with the Council’s strategic objectives. The plan added transparency and demonstrated how the Council aimed to achieve a sustainable future. It was subject to ongoing review in light of the Council’s financial challenges.

Cabinet was asked to decide on the allocation of funds from the Council’s 2025/26 budget to the schemes identified in Appendices 3 and 4. This decision was driven by the need to enhance sustainable infrastructure, promote environmental sustainability, and improve residents’ quality of life. The schemes were carefully selected for their potential to deliver significant long-term benefits. Their development would involve thorough co-design and engagement processes to ensure they met community needs and expectations, in line with the adopted Walking and Cycling Action Plan.

The report provided details of the funding arrangements for the various projects and programmes and sought authority to proceed with their development and delivery, subject to appropriate co-design and engagement.

Alternative Options Considered

There were no other relevant options, as the Council had a statutory obligation as the highways authority to maintain and improve the highway network, subject to regulatory processes. The 2025/26 to 2029/30 Streets for People Investment Plan was informed by extensive engagement led by the Transport Planning Team, involving Members and key stakeholders through the development of LIP4 and the emerging Safe and Sustainable Transport Strategy.

The programme included transport schemes to be agreed by Cabinet via LIP4 and the Annual Spending Submission funded by Transport for London (TfL), along with the allocation of approximately £12.2 million in SCIL funding.