Issue - meetings

To receive a report (copy enclosed) from the Regional Project Manager which asks the Committee to consider the options available for closer internal and external collaboration for Highways and Infrastructure following the decision by the Cabinets of both DCC and CCBC not to proceed with a fully integrated highways service between the two counties.

The Corporate Director: Customers introduced a confidential report, produced by the Regional Project Manager and circulated prior to the meeting, which set out the options available for collaboration in the delivery of highways services between Denbighshire County Council (DCC) and Conwy County Borough Council (CCBC).

Following the decisions of the Cabinets of both DCC and CCBC not to proceed with a fully integrated Highways and Infrastructure Service across both counties, the Committee were asked to consider a subsequent report outlining the options for further internal and external collaboration prior to the report being submitted to the Council’s Cabinet on 18th December.

After an in-depth scrutiny and detailed explanation of the proposed management structure options, and an assessment of their potential to reduce costs and improve services, the Committee agreed that it was appropriate to take a step back from full integration and agreed to support the development of the recommended management structure set out under Option 2b.

The Committee recognised that attempts to integrate Highways and Infrastructure services over the last 3 years had not realised the anticipated benefits and that it was necessary to take a step back from this level of collaboration in order to maximise the efficiency of the service, whilst continuing to maintain strong links and close communication with CCBC, without ruling out closer collaboration in the future should a strong business case justify this course.

RESOLVED – That the Committee supports the recommendation to Cabinet of the development of the model for collaboration in delivering Highways services outlined under Option 2b.

The meeting concluded at 3:40pm.