Agenda item

To seek a steer from the Board on priorities for inclusion within Business Planning for 2025/26.

Lead: Martin Tugwell/Katie Day

6.1          The Chief Executive introduced the item by explaining that he is seeking a steer from Board which can then be used to shape the initial stages for business planning. He highlighted the extent to which TfN’s work supported its constituent authorities, noting the demand from partners to access the ‘TfN Offer’ and the value that can be attributed to this which represented cash savings for the public sector.

6.2          He requested a specific steer from Board in relation to annex 5, asking if there were specific areas that Members believe TfN needed to focus on more. His assumption for business planning is that at best this will be a standstill budget, and that therefore TfN needs to carry on driving out efficiencies internally as well as slimming down processes and procedures to free up resources. He highlighted that the TfN executive continued to keep a close eye on consultancy spend. He explained that Annex 5 outlines where the TfN executive thinks the priorities lie for next year and outlined a number of key areas that are being considered for inclusion in the plan.

6.3          Mayor Coppard welcomed the focus on Northern Appraisal Playbook work. He then suggested that Sheffield area taskforce (identified as part of the rail ‘State of Play’) needs to be included in the business plan.  He also flagged the need for more support for constituent authorities on transport matters, noting that not all Mayoral Combined authorities and local authorities have the same amount of resourcing.  There was a need for a strong focus on buses although this would need to be in the mindful that the focus for delivery will be the MCAs.

6.4          The Chair agreed with Mayor Coppard and highlighted the information in appendix three of the report which shows what the demand from authorities to access support via the TfN offer. He stated that more information is required on this so that everyone is aware about what is available.

6.5          Mayor Brabin asked for an update on where TfN fits into the framework of Great British Rail (GBR)

6.6          In response the Chair informed the Committee that he has spoken to Lord Hendy on this matter. He reflected on how the Bill on GBR is likely to go through Parliament later on next year, with drafting work underway within the DfT.

6.7          Mr Bailey added that Department officials are working with the Government on taking rail reform forward. He anticipated that there may be a consultation in due course which would look at the relationship between GBR and the MCAs.

6.8          The Chair stated that TfN will watch developments on this closely and respond as appropriate to any future consultation.

6.9          Cllr Swarbrick suggested that in terms of business planning there should be a Taskforce for the rural areas. He also raised the issue that highways aren’t the enemy and are good for rural users. Cllr Mannion supported Cllr Swarbrick’s comments.

6.10       Cllr Mannion highlighted the current state of disrepair at Crewe station. He highlighted that the Strategic Transport Plan has recognised Crewe as being pan-regionally significant and requested TfNs help in supporting Cheshire East in getting the investment that is required.

6.11       Mr Rawstron welcomed the section in the appendix on freight and logistics agreeing that it hasn’t been given the attention required. He suggested that something needs including on freight and on improving east-west connectivity.

6.12       Cllr Gannon raised the importance of maintaining support for NPR as originally promoted by TfN given its importance to unlocking the North’s economic potential. He expressed his support for TfN continuing to pursue this. He suggested that a political discussion is needed on what Board is seeking to achieve in terms of NPR. Cllr Gittins was supportive of these comments.

6.13       The Deputy Chief Executive reflected on the comments from Board. She agreed with Mayor Coppard’s comments on prioritisation and stated that TfN needed to focus on a few things that make a significant difference. She informed the Board that TfN is taking a proactive approach on Crewe station and conversations have been taking place with local partners as to how this might be taken forward. She then addressed the issue of resourcing and highlighted that choices would need to be made as to which activities are worked upon.

6.14       She updated the Board on the outcome of conversations of the Scrutiny Committee on business planning, including a comment as to the importance they placed on rural connectivity.

6.15       On Freight and Logistics, the Deputy Chief Executive agreed with Mr Rawstron’s comments on the need to improve east-west connectivity, stating it’s not just about port to port but the journeys in between and the connections into the consolidation/regional distribution centres as well.

6.16       Addressing the issue of NPR she explained that the driver for this ambition remains grounded in the STP which is itself founded on a comprehensive assessment of the North’s economic potential. She suggested taking a political conversation on NPR offline as she expected the Department is also giving this issue some consideration.

Resolved:

That the comments of Board on the priorities for Business Planning be noted and used to shape initial work on business planning.