To present the proposed allocation and planned expenditure of the 2026/27 Active Travel Grant and set out how the funding will be used to deliver Herefordshire Council’s priority integrated transport policies and strategies. The report outlines selected project for capital investment and seeks formal approval from the Chief Operating Officer and the Cabinet Member for Transport and Infrastructure to proceed.

That:

a) The proposed allocation of the 2026/27 Active Travel Grant is approved, enabling delivery of the council’s approved integrated transport projects as outlined in the Local Cycling, Walking and Wheeling Infrastructure Plan that was adopted by Cabinet; and

b) Authority is delegated to the Chief Operating Officer, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Transport and Infrastructure, to take all operational decisions necessary to implement and vary the allocations of the approved programme within the available grant funding and in accordance with the council’s governance and procurement procedures; the budget holder is able to vary the plan within the budget.

1.     Do not approve the proposed 2026/27 Local Transport Grant allocation

This option was discounted because it would prevent the council from undertaking essential statutory and high-priority transport activities. Without approval, the council would be unable to commit funding to core integrated transport project. Failure to utilise the grant effectively may also undermine the council’s position in future funding allocations.

2.     Delay approval until later in the financial year

This option was discounted because delaying approval would significantly shorten the delivery window for 2026/27 programmes. Early approval allows time for scheme design, procurement, mobilisation and coordinated delivery. A delay would increase the risk of under-spend, contractor availability issues, and reduced programme effectiveness. It would also constrain the council’s ability to manage seasonal works efficiently, particularly those that must be delivered in specific weather or daylight conditions.