Decision details

Dave Colbert presented a progress report on the 'Transforming Cities' Fund bid.

It was reported that £840m would be available on a competitive basis, to city regions outside London that could demonstrate the strongest case for investment. Submissions were required to provide evidence of high workday as opposed to residential populations, with bids focused on public transport, cycling and walking and smart technology solutions.

The Committee was informed that following an initial sift of bids, the Government would select up to ten city regions to co-develop plans into packages of schemes. It would then competitively assess each package and award funding to those that could demonstrate the greatest improvements to productivity and offer best value for money. 

The report included details of a proposed bid from Lancashire County Council focused on Preston city centre and the development of inclusive growth corridors linking key employment and housing growth opportunities.  It was proposed that these opportunities would extend beyond Preston into adjacent local transport authority areas, including Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen, via public transport interventions that would benefit the Blackpool Airport and Samlesbury Enterprise Zones.

Following discussion, it was agreed that letters of support from Blackpool Council, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and Network Rail would be included within the submission. It was noted that the deadline for submitting completed application forms was Friday 8^th June 2018. 

Resolved: That the report be noted.