The purpose of the report is to approve the DfT additional budget allocation for 2023, highways and maintenance funding, 2023 to 2024 of £2.558m, spent in year and invested in the public realm to improve the highway network.

That:

a)    The £2.558m Department for Transport 2023 grant for Herefordshire is invested in maintenance works on the highway network and is programmed for delivery following scheme identification and prioritisation in line with the council’s lifecycle and asset management approach, but with a focus on delivering for C and U class rural roads across the County.  The programme of work will be used to prepare roads for a wider programme of surface treatments in 2024/25 worth around £6m; and

b)    Delegated authority is given to the Director of Economy and Environment, in consultation with the S151 Officer, to take all operational decisions to deliver the infrastructure investment set out in recommendation (a).

1.             Not to accept and invest the £2.558m grant; this is not recommended as this is an opportunity to address network condition and improve the network for all users.