Option 30 Report

Appendix A: Project Brief

National Roads Maintenance Review Brief for Option 30 'Explore the Optimum Delivery of Road Maintenance Services'

Background

The National Roads Maintenance Review is now entering its third phase with previous phases comprising:

  • Phase 1 - Evidence gathering (working groups + stakeholder feedback).
  • Phase 2 - Option sifting and outline economic appraisal.

Phase 3 comprises the implementation of selected options and further study and economic appraisal of others. This phase is due to conclude around May 2012 and it is likely that further phases of work will be required thereafter in order to implement any initiatives which are demonstrated to provide improved efficiency/value. Detailed study work might also be required of any options which can be demonstrated to enhance value but which are not sufficiently well developed for immediate implementation. For example, any option requiring strategic or legislative change is likely to require widespread consultation and further detailed consideration of the consequential impacts that such changes might bring, in addition to the improved efficiency. The Phase 1 and Phase 2 reports provide further details of the various options developed and are available at: http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/road/maintenance/road-maintenance-review

Option 30 - Explore the Optimal Delivery of Road Maintenance Services

One of the key recommendations of the Review is to undertake an assessment of the optimum arrangements for the management and maintenance of roads in Scotland and it is this piece of work that this brief addresses.

The remit for this work is to:

Undertake a comprehensive research and appraisal study of road maintenance delivery structures and recommend whether the current structure should be amended.

The work will be based on the following principles

A focus on an exploration/review/amendment of existing structures and not wholesale change/reduction of roads authorities functions, although radical change may well be considered and, by mutual agreement, pursued if deemed appropriate;

  • Continued local governance by elected members for any local structure;
  • Outcome focussed, based on deliverability and compatibility with Christie Commission recommendation and Public Sector Reform principles.

There are a number of potential options to be assessed against the current arrangements. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Option A - Status Quo - Incorporating use/re-use of existing delivery models.
  • Option B - Vertical integration - Local, regional, and national roads authorities, and any combination of those three tiers, carrying out management and maintenance services;
  • Option C - Horizontal integration - A delivery mechanism determined by the most efficient, economic and effective management and maintenance of (shared) services
  • Option D - A combination or combinations of Options B and C
  • Option E - A wholly new means of road maintenance delivery based on United Kingdom and international best practice.

Each option shall also take into account:

  • Existing contracting and management approaches;
  • Opportunities for introducing new contracting approaches to increase flexible working and framework agreements;
  • Joint collaboration, working arrangements, and operational collaboration between all road authorities;
  • Integrated service arrangements within local authorities (for example the current Glasgow City Council model);
  • Shared services across smaller consortia of local authority councils; and
  • Local processes compared with local circumstances.

Furthermore, each option will be assessed against its impact on:

  • Cost / benefit (economic and financial appraisal)
  • Current Legislation
  • Service delivery - more specifically democratic accountability, accountability to local communities, ability to deliver local priorities, governance, funding and transition arrangements
  • Future requirements and sustainability
  • Any other risk not identified through the above

It is possible that this work could involve a number of phases. If the study concludes that the status quo provides the best arrangements in economic, social and democratic terms then work would conclude in May 2012. If evidence gathered indicates that improvements could be realised through an amendment of delivery structures then work could continue beyond May 2012, if mutually agreed by Steering Group Delivery Partners. This may lead to a wider and formal consultation with road maintenance partners', Local Authority Officers, and Elected Members/Council Leaders where appropriate.

Management of the commission

The work will report to the steering group via a dedicated working party comprising representatives of the key Steering Group partners

The work will be subject to final acceptance of COSLA and the Minister on completion and might also be referred to COSLA for agreement at interim stages, as determined by the Steering Group.

Deliverables

This commission will initially develop this brief into a project plan and programme for approval by the Roads Maintenance Review Steering Group. This programme may also be referred to COSLA by the Steering Group for consideration.

A report will be required in time for the Roads Maintenance Review Steering Group meeting on 24th April 2012 for finalisation by the end of May, containing findings and recommendations for improvements and setting out the steps envisaged in future phases to implement those recommendations, should they be accepted by the Steering Group partners.