Written - Transport Grant Settlement 2010-11

I am announcing my decision on the allocation of Transport Grant funds to local authorities in 2010-11.

This year I am pleased to announce total Transport Grant funding of £55.389 million which is in accordance with Welsh Assembly Government agreed budgets. Transport Grant (TG) is a mechanism by which we invest capital monies with Local Authorities to improve Wales’ transport infrastructure and to promote sustainable transport. Members are also asked to note that this year’s announcement reflects the continued transition from the TG funding mechanism, as the current programme draws to a close, towards the new funding arrangements as part of the National and Regional Transport Plan(s).   The National Transport Plan and Regional Transport Plans together deliver the strategic priorities in the Wales Transport Strategy.  I look forward to sharing further detail on my proposals for funding Regional Transport Plans shortly.    

Roads

The TG programme now represents the concluding elements of the original programme, which consists of road schemes. Most are open to traffic and complete.  During 2009 both the A469 Relief Road, known locally as the   “Angel Way ” which forms part of the integrated package of measures that combine to form the Greater Bargoed Community Regeneration Scheme and the Llandysul Bypass, which is part of the Ceredigion Link Roads scheme, have been opened to traffic.

It is important schemes progress and are completed in order to assist with our broader strategic objectives of economic regeneration through stimulation of the local economy.  However, the commitment to fund schemes which have yet to start construction has to be made within the context of affordability and the impact on future budgets is not excessive.  We are working with the authorities’ concerned to maximise alternative funding possibilities to augment the considerable investment we are already making in the schemes concerned and to ensure the best value for money solutions are found.

I am making a further £46 million available to local authorities to take forward and progress local road network improvements in Wales.  I am also making £0.900 million available to local authorities’ to take forward Principal Road Grant schemes.    

Safe Routes in Communities

I am making a further £8.5 million available to take forward the Safe Routes in Communities initiative.  This initiative is now in its third year and the allocations I am making today help build on the success of this and the predecessor Safe Routes to School initiative. The schemes delivered to date have helped to improve accessibility within local communities and enhance road safety.

The settlement I am announcing today will enable local authorities to progress and substantially complete a wide range of projects. It will also help take forward our “One Wales” commitments in terms of sustainable transport.

A copy of the allocations to individual authorities is attached for your information.