Agenda and minutes

The Chairperson welcomed everyone to the meeting.

There were no declarations of interests received.

The minutes of the meeting held on 12 February 2024 were approved as an accurate record.

Members received an update in regard to the programme of works associated with the Regional Transport Plan (RTP).

The Committee were reminded that the Implementation Plan and Case for Change had been produced and submitted to Welsh Government; the next step was to produce the initial draft of the RTP.

It was explained that in the early stages, Officers has raised concerns with the timescales, provided by Welsh Government, for the development of the RTP; the purpose of this report was to highlight the change in the timescales of producing the initial draft of the RTP.

Officers stated that the initial timeline specified that Corporate Joint Committees were required to submit their first drafts to Welsh Government by 29 May 2024; with the final draft to be submitted by 31 October 2024. Members were informed that the amended timeline would include a consultation phase in May/June 2024, and a policy update submitted to Welsh Government by July 2024. It was added that Officers were currently still working towards the original deadline for the submission of the final draft to Welsh Government (31 October 2024).

It was noted that Officers still had concerns in regard to delivering the final version of the RTP within the specified timescale, which was stated to be 29 March 2025. Officers confirmed that they would update the Regional Transport Sub Committee on these matters, as and when they had updates available.  

The Committee was informed that South West Wales were starting from a lower base in terms of information, compared to other Regions; as South East Wales and North Wales had commissioned transport organisations to undertake a lot of the work. It was mentioned that the real challenge for South West Wales was gathering the evidence to form the delivery plan for the RTP.

Members expressed their support in regard to the amended timescales and felt that they were more realistic than what had been seen previously.

RESOLVED:

That the amendment to the programme of works for the South West Wales Regional Transport Plan, initial draft stage, as identified in the circulated report be endorsed and commended to the Corporate Joint Committee for approval.

Any urgent items at the discretion of the Chairperson pursuant to Section 100BA(6)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

There were no urgent items received.