To approve and accept the MCF funding to deliver the Talbot Road Active Travel Scheme and to note the programme of works for 2023/24.

a)    That the acceptance and spend of the £4,751,389 Mayoral Challenge Fund (MCF) funding allocation for the implementation of the Talbot Road Active Travel Scheme be approved.

b)    That the delegation of authority to the Corporate Director of Place to negotiate and finalise the grant agreement, construction contract and any other contract or document required to implement this decision be approved.

c)    That the delegation of authority to the Corporate Director of Place, in consultation with the Executive Member for Climate Change to award the contract to the recommended Contractor for the Scheme once an agreed delivery agreement is in place be approved.

d)    That the delegation of authority to the Director of Legal and Governance to enter into any contracts or other documents required to implement this decision be approved.

e)    That the indicative programme of works for 2023/24 which would achieve the delivery of the Talbot Road Active Travel Scheme be noted.

f)      That the urgency provisions in respect of this decision as detailed in the report be approved; and

g)    That it be approved that, based on the urgency provisions, this decision shall not be subject to the call-in process.

It is recommended that the acceptance of the MCF grant funding will allow the implementation of the combined Talbot Road scheme to commence and for Trafford to provide alternative sustainable active travel modes of transport being used across the Borough that will benefit health and wellbeing and air quality.

The alternative option would be to not accept the MCF grant funding and risk having incomplete, non-compliant cycle schemes. In addition, it would be a missed opportunity to achieve the outcomes as stated in the councils Walking, Wheeling, and Cycling strategy of improved infrastructure and support towards reducing carbon emissions. This would also impact on Trafford’s reputation for securing future funding bids for other MCF grant Active Travel opportunities.

If the approval of the funding agreed is delayed, then the construction cost may further increase.