We have lots on our agenda tonight and I’m sure members will wish to get into the main business as soon as possible, but there are a few items which I wish to update Council on.
Firstly, I have an update on the work of the A5 Partnership. The group met last week and our strategy, having been approved, will now be distributed to all MPs who represent constituencies by the A5 between the M6 J12 and the M1. Early next year we can look forward to a report from Midlands Connect of the Enhanced Strategic Case, similar to that which we have seen recently for the A46. There will also be a draft strategic business plan from Highways England, which will lead to funding allocations for road projects in RIS 2 (2020-2025). Funding for improvements on the Longshoot to Dodwells section is still in place for delivery once work on the M6 has completed, expected for 2020/21.
At the last A5 Partnership meeting I also took the opportunity to discuss with Sarah Spinks the position with the A46 and the recent Enhanced Strategic Case document. For me there are two key points resulting from this document, firstly that Midlands Connect is not just looking at the expressway option, but also in combination with or without other upgrade options for the A46, particularly from the M69/M1 intersection through to the Syston Hobby Horse Interchange. Secondly that the preliminary environmental risk assessment has considered a number of factors along possible routes and correctly identified the environmental risks around J2 of the M69. I believe this is significant and makes that point less likely to be the location for any new road to connect to the M69.
The Strategic Growth Plan before us this evening includes an A46 bypass to the south and east of Leicester, but with no defined route, and leaves us scope to update our Local Plan to 2036 and beyond without the delivery of this new road. This Council has already opposed any link to J1 and J2 and we shall continue to do this, but we should accept that there is a risk that no route will be found, or that funding is not approved. Because decisions, funding, and building of new roads can take many years I believe we shall need a backstop arrangement, at which point we shall need to review the strategic plan if the new A46 road is not delivered. This should start no later than the end of 2024, when we shall know if the A46 will be delivered between 2031 and 2035.
Moving to other matters, we have seen some excellent community spirit across our borough in recent weeks, with Remembrance services being held to mark 100 years since the end of the First World War, and to remember all of those who have in the past and those who continue today to defend nations in the quest for peace. We are now into the Christmas period with our towns and villages being lit up in celebration. This should be a time of happiness and goodwill, but we know that may not always be the case and as tonight we raise awareness of violence against women with the white ribbon pledge, we should also be aware that at this time of year domestic violence, burglary, homelessness and loneliness also tend to increase, and whilst we do not have endless powers I know that this council plays a valuable role in ensuring people’s safety, health and well-being, not just at Christmas but throughout the year.
Members will be aware that, at the end of October, Government removed the borrowing cap on councils, Housing Revenue Accounts, and the strategy that we have before us this evening will allow us to make full use of this change to ensure that we help to provide the type and quality of housing that people want to rent or buy.
I recently attended our annual rural conference and was pleased that this council’s contribution to improved community facilities in Barlestone and Sheepy Magna had been well received by so many community groups. Without the support of this council these projects would not have been delivered and this evening members have the chance to approve a timetable for opening up a second wave of applications.
I have also had the pleasure of attending our most recent young people’s democracy event, there have been sports awards, and of course last Sunday’s Civic Carol Service. Officers and members put a great deal of time and effort into these events and it is a credit to this council that they are so well liked.
Later this week I shall be attending a conference for 11-18 year olds and helping to evaluate applications for funding through our VCS scheme.
Finally members will have seen that there is little chance that any unitary proposals will be considered by the secretary of state and that there is not sufficient support for some of the changes being proposed. I have however agreed to attend a scrutiny meeting with the Leader of Harborough Council, and District Leaders will be meeting with the County Council Leader before Christmas, where we shall continue to push our collaborative approach to improving local government.
Minutes:
In his position statement, the Leader of the Council referred to the work of the A5 Partnership, the Strategic Growth Plan and Midlands Connect, the removal of the HRA borrowing cap, the rural conference, the young people’s democracy event, the national perspective around county councils’ unitary proposals and Remembrance services around the borough.