Archived decisions

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

Executive Decision Record

1. The decision:

That the Cabinet be recommended to agree:

a) the following priorities for additional spending of £2.6million on highways in 2009/10:

(i) Highway drainage improvements - £300,000;

(ii) Village 30 speed limits - £300,000; and

(iii) Highway Maintenance - £2,000,000; and

b) that the remaining 2008/09 underspend of £2.5 million be retained in balances to reduce the Council Tax increase in 2011/12.

2. Reasons for the decision:

2.1. Maintaining the highway has experienced some extra pressures as a result of climatic changes which have exacerbated the deterioration of the network. Extra funding for the minor road network will help to improve the quality of this network. This supports the corporate aims of the County Council by supporting the local economy and the health and well-being of residents.

2.2. The Village 30 speed limit initiative has proved very attractive to a large number of villages and almost 120 villages have expressed a wish to have a speed limit. Demand has outstripped the original budget and a further contribution is required to complete this initiative. This initiative supports the corporate agenda to see improvements to the economy and well-being of Hampshire residents.

3. Other options considered and rejected:

3.1. Deferring the work enabled by this funding was an option considered. However, the need to maintain the highway network for economic reasons and combat the onset of climate change requires early intervention. Not to complete the Village 30 programme would disadvantage a small group of villages and would lose the momentum developed in the positive management of speed in Hampshire's villages.

4. Conflicts of interest:

4.1. Conflicts of interest declared by the decision-maker: none.

4.2. Conflicts of interest declared by other Executive Members consulted: none.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee: none.

6. Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent: not applicable.

7. Statement from the Decision Maker: