Lead Member: Councillor David Vasmer, Portfolio Holder for Highways & Waste

Lead Officer: Andy Wilde, Service Director – Infrastructure

Report to follow – the report has been delayed to allow further consideration of the extent of information that can be made available in public

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.     Approved the insourcing of the non-devolved Street Scene services by 1st April 2027.  

2.     Noted the procurement of the new enhanced Mixed Economy Defect Repair contract by 1st April 2027. 

3.     Noted the preparation of an options study and business case for the Highways Future Service Model by the end December’ 2026. 

4.     Referred the Future Service Model options to the relevant Scrutiny Committee for pre decision by the end December’ 2026. 

The Portfolio Holder for Highways presented the report which provided an update on the progress that has been made in the progressive development of the highway services delivery model (termed – Mixed Economy Model) and the actions and decisions now required to implement the Highways Future Service Model by April 2028. This included bringing street scene services in-house, developing a mixed economy model and extending the existing Kier contract to March 2028 to provide a controlled transition to the new arrangements.

Members discussed lessons from the previous street scene transition and raised concerns regarding service capacity, communication and engagement with town and parish councils, and the involvement of scrutiny in developing the proposals. It was confirmed that the phased approach was intended to reduce transition risks, strengthen accountability and contract management, and support increased investment in preventative maintenance and permanent defect repairs.

The importance of improving communication with parish councils, including consideration of a dedicated point of contact, was also highlighted.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.     Approved the insourcing of the non-devolved Street Scene services by 1st April 2027.  

2.     Noted the procurement of the new enhanced Mixed Economy Defect Repair contract by 1st April 2027. 

3.     Noted the preparation of an options study and business case for the Highways Future Service Model by the end December’ 2026. 

4.     Referred the Future Service Model options to the relevant Scrutiny Committee for pre decision by the end December’ 2026.