Transport Innovation Fund business plan to be scrutinised

Press release - 6 July 2007

Transport Innovation Fund business plan to be discussed at scrutiny

Shropshire County Council’s Economy & Environment Scrutiny Panel will be taking a closer look at the progress of the Transport Innovation Fund (TIF) study in their meeting next week (Thursday 12 July at 5pm at Shirehall, Shrewsbury).

Panel members will consider an outline business case planned to be submitted to the Department for Transport, outlining the basis for a possible future full TIF business case in July 2008.

Discussions will also include the proposed allocation of an additional £926,000 for development work on the Shrewsbury north west relief road project. This would be funding from the annual Government allocation to Shropshire through the Local Transport Plan.

Alan Mosley, Chair of Economy & Environment Scrutiny Panel, said: “This meeting will be the first chance for councillors, the public and stakeholders to comment on the progress of the study so far, and I encourage everyone to get involved and have their say.

“We will be looking at the extent of work on all elements within the TIF study, and scrutinising areas where there might be unanswered questions.

“Some of options looked at in the outline business case, such as a toll on the north west relief road, for example, are highly controversial and have already led to opposition. Some people may fear that, once submitted, options in the progress report could become firm before there has been wide-ranging consultation.

“We will be scrutinising all aspects of the work very closely. This will be a key opportunity for the general public and stakeholders to put forward their views before a decision on submission.

"Part of the scrutiny panel’s role is to assist in in-depth analysis of policy issues and to question Cabinet members and chief officers. I want to ensure that all voices are heard and all issues considered,” Alan Mosley added.

Anyone wanting to attend the scrutiny panel meeting and speak should give prior notice by contacting Amanda Holyoak on (01743) 252727.

The Scrutiny recommendations and the TIF proposal will be discussed further at the next full meeting of Shropshire County Council on 20 July.

ENDS

For further information, call Alan Mosley, Chairman, Economy & Environment Scrutiny Panel, on (01743) 231834.
For media contact, call Gareth Proffitt, Communications Officer, on (01743) 252828.