New proposals to make local authorities fund 10% of major transport schemes over £5million have been criticised by the South East England Regional Transport Board.

The Board's response to Department for Transport (DfT) consultation argues that a new 10% rule could create cash problems for smaller local authorities, jeopardising delivery of crucial infrastructure and, ultimately, the South East Plan.

There are also proposals to encourage better project and risk control by making local authorities liable for a percentage of any overspend. But for this to work, the Board says Government must be more consistent in its guidance, as policy changes create delays and higher costs.

Other suggestions receive a cautious welcome from the Board. For example proposals for DfT to fund 50% of transport scheme preparation costs offer more certainty than at present.

Cllr Nick Skellett, Chairman of the South East England Regional Transport Board, said:

"The Board cautiously welcomes some of the proposals, but we have concerns about the delivery implications of forcing councils to fund 10% of major schemes. We also need greater clarity and consistency in Government's advice to councils to help speed up vital transport infrastructure. We cannot afford to waste time with this."

Contacts

Lesley van Dijk, Assembly PR Executive - 01483 555223

Heather Bolton, Assembly Communications Director - 01483 555220

Notes to editors:

1. The Board's consultation response has been based on a report to the RTB on 8 May 2006.
   
   
2. The South East England Regional Transport Board operates as a partnership board to advise Government on the region's transport priorities.
3. Members of the Board:
• Cllr Nick Skellett - South East England Regional Assembly (Assembly) and Chairman of the Board (Surrey County Council),
• Cllr Jill Baston - Assembly (Southampton City Council),
• Cllr John Howarth - Assembly (Reading),
• Cllr Mary Ballin - Assembly (Bracknell Forest Borough Council),
• Tim Lockwood - Assembly (Economic Partners),
• Pam Palmer - Assembly (Social and Environmental Partners),
• John Peel (SEEDA),
• Andy Roberts (Government Office for the South East),
• Nigel Rose (South East Forum for Sustainability),
• Gwyn Drake (Highways Agency),
• Clive King (Confederation of Passenger Transport).
4. The South East England Regional Assembly is the "voluntary regional chamber" for the South East. It was established in January 1999 to give a representative voice to the South East region, which covers Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, East and West Sussex, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Kent, Oxfordshire, and Surrey.
5. The Regional Assembly is made up of 112 members including elected councillors nominated by the region's local authorities and 37 representatives from other sectors of the community (including business, trades unions, education, housing, health, sports, culture, tourism, faith groups, environmental, community and voluntary organisations) as well as the New Forest National Park Authority.
6. The Assembly has three areas of core business:
• It is the representative voice of the South East, engaging and representing its member organisations and, through them, the wider public.
• The Assembly has a specific role under the Regional Development Agencies' Act 1998 to ensure the accountability of the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) to the region.
• The Assembly has been the Regional Planning Body for the South East since April 2001. It has responsibility for proposing strategic planning and transport policies to Government.

Last updated: 21 August 2007