Archived decisions

Contact: Richard Chinn, tel: 023 80427000

1. Summary

1.1 This report details progress with implementation of the:

(i) Environment Department management structure;

(ii) Highway Network Management Blueprint; and

(iii) Hampshire Highways West management arrangements.

2. Environment Department Management Structure

2.1 When the Panel met on 15 November 2002 the operational activities of the former County Surveyor's and Planning Departments had been restructured into four broad operational areas and four of the five posts forming the Environment Department Management Board had been filled. The post of Assistant Director (Design and Implementation) was vacant and has since been filled by Stuart Reynolds.

2.2 Minor restructuring of some operational branches and teams is underway but the new management arrangements for the delivery of the network management and highway maintenance service will remain unchanged. A Structure Chart showing the Management Board and other senior management posts is attached as an appendix.

3. Highway Network Management Blueprint

3.1 As previously reported, the County Council commenced implementation of the Highway Network Management Blueprint in May 2002. The new arrangements involved the transfer of highways maintenance staff from district and borough councils to the County Council. Currently, only Rushmoor Borough Council continues to deliver the highways maintenance service within its administrative area under a highway agency agreement. This agreement will cease on 31 March 2003, at which time the new arrangements will have been implemented in full and the service will be delivered in a consistent fashion county-wide under `Hampshire Highways'.

4. Hampshire Highways West

4.1 Highway agency arrangements with New Forest District Council ceased on 31 December 2002. At that time four members of staff transferred from the District Council to the County Council and the proposed new management arrangements in the west of the county are now fully operational. An updated organisational structure will be tabled at the meeting.

4.2 On 15 November 2002 Members requested more detailed information about job roles and such information will also be tabled at the meeting.

Recommendation

That the report be noted.

7719/RC