Highway Maintenance Inspection and Response Framework
April 14, 2026 Executive (Other) Key decision Awaiting outcome View on council websiteThis summary is generated by AI from the council’s published record and supporting documents. Check the full council record and source link before relying on it.
Summary
The Executive Member for Highways and Travel, Cllr Chris McGiffen, approved the Highway Maintenance Inspection and Response Framework on 14th April 2026. This framework updates highway inspection and response procedures, clarifies investigatory triggers, strengthens quality assurance, and confirms maximum response times by priority category. It also delegates authority to the Assistant Director Highways & Waste for future minor technical updates.
The Executive agreed to revise the Ward Member Empowerment Fund Policy and open it for a reduced allocation of £68,000 for a three-month period from 5th May 2026 to 4th August 2026. The Executive also agreed to formally withdraw the Ward Member Empowerment Fund after this period and allocate £68,000 to develop a Youth Empowerment Grant Scheme with the Youth Advisory Council, targeting a September 2026 launch.
The Audit and Governance Committee noted the Internal Audit progress report on 15th June 2026. The report provided an update on the work of the Internal Audit team and key findings from audits completed to date.
The Employment Committee agreed on 18th June 2026 to establish a politically balanced Sub Committee of six elected members to undertake the selection and appointment for the role of Executive Director of Children's Services. This Sub Committee will be delegated authority to shortlist, interview, and appoint the most suitable candidate.
Full council record
Purpose
To approve the Council’s Highway Maintenance Inspection and Response Framework (previously Highway Inspection Manual)
Decision
RESOLVED
KEY DECISION
That the Executive:
i) Approved the Highway Maintenance Inspection & Response Framework (HMIRF) and its adoption from 1st May 2026.
ii) Delegated authority to the Assistant Director – Highways & Waste, in consultation with the Executive Member for Highways and Travel, to make future minor, technical updates to the HMIRF (e.g.: process clarifications, data standards) aligned to national guidance and contract plans. Such updates are to be documented through a delegated decision record published on the Council website.
Reasons for Recommendations - The Council and its network users will receive the maximum benefit from the option proposed; as it updates, improves and provides clarity on its guidance around highway maintenance and inspections.
Alternative Options Considered: This is an update to an old legacy document. The alternative option would be to continue to use the outdated document which does not offer the proposals to enhance the reactive maintenance service nor widen the scope of highway maintenance guidance
Related Meeting
Executive - Tuesday 14th April, 2026 10.00 am on April 14, 2026
Supporting Documents
Details
| Outcome | For Determination |
| Decision date | 14 Apr 2026 |
| Effective from | 22 Apr 2026 |
| Expected date | 14 Apr 2026 |
| Originally due | 14 Apr 2026 |
| Subject to call-in | Yes |