How is regional policy decided and where does the money come from?
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Regional transport policy is shaped by the Regional Assemblies which each produce a Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) covering land use and transport which the area assembly presents to government.
However, the Regional Assemblies are not delivery organisations they plan, they don't act. They do. however, decide where they believe Regional Funding Allocations should be spent these cover large projects, defined as more than £5m. Their proposals have to be submitted to government but are usually approved.
Gordon Brown when he was Chancellor devolved more power to county councils to decide the smaller local projects on which government money should be spent. The councils produce five-year strategy documents called Local Transport Plans, which must be in accordance with the government's overarching aims and within the framework provided by the RSS. The Department for Transport assesses these and allocates resources accordingly.
Local authorities also receive money for the maintenance and repair of roads from the Department of Communities and Local Government under the Revenue Support Grants.
Only one RSS has been drafted so far and there are rumours that the system may change in favour of a Single Integrated Strategy drawn up by the regional development agencies. To keep freight on the agenda, sign up for the freight forums, groups or quality partnerships in your local assembly or local council.