Purpose

The Council was previously awarded £85,000 of Tranche 3 Capability Fund Extension funding through Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) to support the development of three active travel projects within the Borough. The initial award can be found in Appendix 1.

The original programme of work was not progressed and the allocation remained uncommitted.

TfGM has subsequently agreed that the funding allocation can be reprofiled and repurposed to support the development of Tameside's Strategic Cycle Network (SCN) and Strategic Greenway Network (SGN).

The revised approach sought to support the identification, prioritisation and development of future active travel interventions across the Borough, helping to establish an evidence-led pipeline of schemes aligned with Bee Network objectives.

Future consultancy appointments, design commissions, feasibility studies or other expenditure associated with the funding was subject to subsequent approvals and procurement in accordance with the Council's Contract Procedure Rules.

Decision

i)                   The £85,000 reprofiled Tranche 3 Capability Fund Extension funding allocation - previously awarded by Transport for Greater Manchester - be given approval.

ii)                The revised use of the funding to support the development of the Strategic Cycle Network and Strategic Greenway Network within Tameside be approved, subject to subsequent approvals and procurement in accordance with the Council’s Contract Procedure Rules.

Reasons for the decision

Approval is required to accept the reprofiling of previously awarded Tranche 3 Capability Fund Extension funding from Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM).

The original programme associated with the funding was not progressed and the allocation remained uncommitted.  Following discussions with TfGM, it has been agreed that the funding can be repurposed to support the development of Tameside's Strategic Cycle Network (SCN) and Strategic Greenway Network (SGN), subject to procurement and approvals. 

Alternative options considered

Decline the reprofiled funding.

This option was rejected as it would represent a missed opportunity to secure external funding to support the development of schemes within the Borough.

Retain the original programme scope.

This option was rejected as the original programme was not progressed and no longer reflects the current strategic priorities identified by TfGM and the Council.