Minutes:
(1) School Term Dates 2020/21 - The Cabinet Member with the Children and Young People Portfolio introduced the report of the Director of Children and Adults Services (previously circulated) requesting that consideration be given to the setting of the school term date arrangements for Darlington maintained schools for the academic years 2020/21, as detailed in the appendix to the submitted report, and to the publishing of those dates by the required deadline of the end of July 2018.
The submitted report stated that all schools within Darlington had been consulted on the proposed school term dates for 2020/21; outlined the consultation undertaken; and the results of that consultation.
Discussion ensued on the consultation process undertaken with other local authorities in the region to ensure consistency, as far as possible, with school term dates.
RESOLVED – That the proposed school term dates for Darlington maintained schools for the academic year 2020/21, as detailed in the appendix to the submitted report, be agreed for publication.
REASON - The draft dates are the ones preferred by the majority of schools and Governing Bodies following the consultation exercise which ended on 18 May 2018.
(2) Eastern Growth Zone Infrastructure Improvements - The Cabinet Member with the Leisure and Local Environment Portfolio introduced the report of the Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services (previously circulated) requesting that consideration be given to providing a funding contribution from the Economic Growth Investment Fund (EGIF) towards the delivery of a strategic access road between Yarm Road and Tornado Way, that will compliment planned highway infrastructure investment to deliver wider transport and economic benefits to the surrounding area.
The submitted report stated that the Eastern Growth Zone comprised of Darlington’s key existing and future employment sites; feasibility work had been undertaken which had resulted in funding that would enable highway improvements at key locations; the feasibility work had identified that a strategic link between Yarm Road and Tornado Way would complement planned investment and be beneficial to the wider transport network; and outlined the financial and legal implications.
Particular reference was made as to whether traffic congestion at Allington Way could be looked at as part of the scheme.
RESOLVED – (a) That the associated planned infrastructure investment, as detailed in the submitted report, for the delivery of wider transport and economic benefits, be noted.
(b) That the release of £500k from the Economic Growth Investment Fund, be approved, to contribute towards the delivery of the strategic link road between Yarm Road and Tornado Way.
REASON - To compliment planned infrastructure investment and deliver wider transport and economic benefits.
(3) Well Managed Highways Infrastructure – A Code of Practice - The Cabinet Member with the Leisure and Local Environment Portfolio introduced the report of the Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services (previously circulated) advising Members of a new national code of practice for managing all highway assets.
The submitted report stated that the Well Managed Highways Infrastructure Code of Practice (CoP) replaced existing codes and promoted a risk based approach; as well as providing guidance, the CoP had 36 recommendations which had been used to develop a number of operational documents that would evidence how the Council had incorporated those recommendations into every day highway asset management operations; it was not a statutory document and that adoption of the recommendations were a matter for each Highway Authority to consider based on risk, needs and priorities; and that it would come into effect on October 2018.
RESOLVED – (a) That the adoption of the principles set out in the Well Managed Highway Infrastructure (CoP), the requirement to progress the specific recommendations and that operational highway asset management policies and procedures would be introduced or amended to reflect the new CoP, be noted.
(b) That delegated
authority be given to the Director of Economic Growth and
Neighbourhood Services, or nominated officers, to develop, update,
bring into operation and review the policies and procedures that
follow principles in the CoP.
REASON - To facilitate the efficient and effective management of the Council’s highway infrastructure by incorporating recommendations and principles within the CoP.