Agenda item

10.1

To provide an update on the transport policy environment, Sheffield’s role in achieving regional objective, meeting carbon zero targets and the related investment programmes designed to deliver transformational connectivity

10.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That Strategy and Resources Policy Committee:-

(a) notes the initial update on the Sheffield Transport Strategy and Programme, and the success achieved in securing significant investment into Sheffield and the progress being made to deliver the City’s transport objectives; and

(b) notes that the Transport, Regeneration, and Climate Policy Committee will:

(1)  provide oversight to the scope of the refresh of the Sheffield Transport Strategy, and development of the associated delivery plans, ensuring that the city’s commitment to Net Zero is fully reflected;

(2)  support officers to review the professional capacity required to support the successful development, delivery and influence of policy, programmes and initiatives to support Sheffield’s ambitions; and,

(3)  review the approach to communications, consultation and engagement at a programme and project level and determine the level of appropriate resources required.

10.3

Reasons for Decision

10.3.1

As outlined in the report, given the changes in central government policy with regard to transport investment and a focus on carbon reduction, it is becoming apparent that updating the local transport policy will be a key part of the strategic narrative around the changes being developed as part of the Transforming Cities Fund and Active Travel Fund. It is also relevant to the future capital allocations, such as, the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement.

10.3.2

An update on a local level is therefore considered beneficial and will be brought forward, subject to agreement by this Committee and the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee.

10.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

10.4.1

Alternative options are not considered applicable. The information contained in this report is for reporting purposes with no direct decision being requested. Any further related decision will be brought forward through the relevant Policy Committee, on a specific decision basis.

11.1

The Executive Director, City Futures provided an update on the transport policy environment, Sheffield’s role in achieving regional objective, meeting carbon zero targets and the related investment programmes designed to deliver transformational connectivity.

11.2

An amendment to the recommendations contained in the report was proposed by Councillor Joe Otten and seconded by Councillor Shaffaq Mohammed:

Requests that officers bring an updated version of this report to a future Strategy and Resources meeting, incorporating:-

(i) realistic options for mode share targets to reach Net Zero by 2030, including increasing public transport above 30% through pursuing further expansion of the Supertram network, and a more realistic car journey target through increasing focus on ULEV infrastructure; and

(ii) a fully developed consultation toolkit as outlined in paragraph 1.25, with consideration of the need to engage with local business stakeholders at an early design stage to ensure transport schemes are viable, support businesses and meet the needs of local people and the local economy.

The amendment was put to the vote and was lost.

(NOTE: (i) The result of the vote on the amendment was FOR - 4 Members; AGAINST - 7 Members; ABSTENTIONS – 0 Members; and (ii) Councillors Otten, Mohammed, Smith and Williams requested that their votes in support of the amendment be recorded in the minutes).

11.3

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That Strategy and Resources Policy Committee:-

(a) notes the initial update on the Sheffield Transport Strategy and Programme, and the success achieved in securing significant investment into Sheffield and the progress being made to deliver the City’s transport objectives; and

(b) notes that the Transport, Regeneration, and Climate Policy Committee will:

(1)  provide oversight to the scope of the refresh of the Sheffield Transport Strategy, and development of the associated delivery plans, ensuring that the city’s commitment to Net Zero is fully reflected;

(2)  support officers to review the professional capacity required to support the successful development, delivery and influence of policy, programmes and initiatives to support Sheffield’s ambitions; and,

(3)  review the approach to communications, consultation and engagement at a programme and project level and determine the level of appropriate resources required.

11.4

Reasons for Decision

11.4.1

As outlined in the report, given the changes in central government policy with regard to transport investment and a focus on carbon reduction, it is becoming apparent that updating the local transport policy will be a key part of the strategic narrative around the changes being developed as part of the Transforming Cities Fund and Active Travel Fund. It is also relevant to the future capital allocations, such as, the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement.

11.4.2

An update on a local level is therefore considered beneficial and will be brought forward, subject to agreement by this Committee and the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee.

11.5

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

11.5.1

Alternative options are not considered applicable. The information contained in this report is for reporting purposes with no direct decision being requested. Any further related decision will be brought forward through the relevant Policy Committee, on a specific decision basis.

(NOTE: During the discussion of the above item the Committee agreed, in accordance with Council Procedure rules, that as the meeting was approaching the two hours and 30 minutes time limit, the meeting should be extended by a period of 30 minutes).