Decision details

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport seeking ratification of the creation of a new proposed Joint Committee, named ‘Solent Transport’, to replace the existing joint committees of Transport for South Hampshire and Isle of Wight (TfSHIoW) and the Solent Local Transport Body and ratify the TfSHIoW Business Plan 2013-15.

To ratify the creation of a new proposed Joint Committee, named ‘Solent Transport’, to replace the existing joint committees of Transport for South Hampshire Isle of Wight (TfSHIoW) and the Solent Local Transport Body (LTB).

It is necessary for the constituent local authorities of the TfSHIoW Joint Committee to ratify all constitutional decisions.  These recommendations are therefore necessary to establish the new ‘Solent Transport’ Joint Committee and to ratify the TfSHIoW Business Plan 2013-15.

1. Do Nothing

It would be possible to retain the TfSHIoW Joint Committee and Solent LTB.  However, this would not allow the benefits of combining the two bodies to be realised, including providing a single strategic transport partnership interface for the area, synergising work programmes and realising efficiencies.

2. Creation of ‘Solent Transport’ as a recommendatory body

The Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is a member of the Solent LTB and it is intended that it would be a member of the new ‘Solent Transport’ Joint Committee.  The LEP is not currently allowed to vote on local government decision making bodies.  The government is aware of this issue and is likely to bring forward primary legislation to address this issue.  In the meantime, it would be possible to create ‘ Solent Transport’ as a recommendatory body.  However, this would require ratification of all decisions by the constituent local authorities.  It is therefore intended to create ‘ Solent Transport’ once primary legislation changes allow the LEP full voting rights on a local government decision making body.  In the meantime, the TfSHIoW Joint Committee and Solent LTB can continue to operate and meet as necessary.

None.