Decision details

(i)  That Cabinet notes the content of the draft proposal to establish a sub-national transport body for the South East to be known as Transport for the South East (TfSE).

(ii)  That Cabinet agrees the principles set out in this report to form the basis of the Council’s response to the consultation on the draft proposal.

(iii)  That authority is delegated to the Director of Growth to finalise the detailed consultation response based on the approved principles following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Transport & Place.

1.  The legislation requires any proposal for a new sub-national transport body to be promoted by, and have the consent of its constituent authorities, and that its Proposal to Government has been the subject of consultation within the area and with neighbouring authorities. TfSE, the shadow sub-national transport body, is carrying out this formal consultation process from 3 May – 31 July 2019 in order to fulfil this condition.

2.  Southampton City Council, as one of the 16 constituent authorities of the Shadow Partnership Board, is required to respond to the consultation that sets out the Proposal to Government.

The alternative option considered and rejected are as follows:

•  The Council chooses not to respond to the consultation. This would result in weakening the Council’s position as one of the TFSE constituent authorities and make it unclear at a sub-national level and to Government the SCC position regarding the establishment of a sub-national transport body. The legislation requires a new sub-national transport body to be promoted by, and have the consent of its constituent authorities. This could undermine the process for the establishment of a Sub-national Transport Body and impact on the level of SCC influence in the development of the transport strategy for the south east and the future allocation of transport funding.