Hi Carol
Thanks so much for this.
You wrote, "He said money is allocated ring fenced for proposals made and as a result it can’t be changed once agreed by Government." Of course it can. All you members DO have the power to go back to the government to explain why the agreement must be changed to something more sensible, responsible and constructive. You are in charge and are ultimately responsible - and not the officers.
You wrote, "advocating for changing proposals that have already got funding". WBHE has not got funding. The foolish scheme is way over budget by 45%. WBHE was budgeted to cost £449 m. It has now gone up to £650 m - a 45% rise. This is why all work was suspended beyond Flood Street, Dudley and work was divided into two phases in the spring or early summer of 2022, over 12 months ago. In the mid 1990s, leader of Dudley Council, in all seriousness, told me that WBHE would be open by the year 2000, 23 years ago!!! They have been disobeying the Act of Parliament giving them consent to build for decades, just like High Scam 2, that started in 2009, will not be completed for many decades. What Parliament decrees is ignored in the light of fast changing circumstances, like climate, finance and resource shortages.
You wrote, "But coming up with suggestions for future improvements, that can be proposed for future funding is a good use of your knowledge and time. It might inform future proposals for projects that might win funding from the Government." But by then, Carol, the damage will be done and can never be undone! Even with the WBHE Phase 1 opening in 2024, there is still time to save most of the 120 Kms Black Country Railway for, certainly, some passenger trains, but now having to link in with the trams. But even that is NOT the proposal, such is the incompetence and idiocy at 16 Summer Lane.
In addition, you have all had three devolution deals with money from HMG to spend exactly how you want and had asked for.
You wrote, "The need for the Metro to make a profit is the decision that has been made by the 7 local authorities, so is not likely to be changed. SELF: Metro has never made a profit and will always have to be subsidised. Just like the railways. Buses make a profit on well used urban routes. Financial pressures always bring about changes, as I have explained. How that is achieved with a reduced budget is a discussion point. Re use of railway lines rather than build new etc. I am not on the Metro committee so don’t really know, but common sense should dictate that when money is short, getting best value for money should be essential." But Carol, you are on the Metro committee and must ask challenging, searching questions for Metro extensions to be stopped and Fare-Free Public Transport throughout the region to be given to everyone - and not just ME!
I am sure I am right in saying that just because there is an Act of Parliament saying that High Scam 2 can be built, it does not mean all of it will be built. They are no longer building the full eastern arm to Leeds even though the Act says they can. Today's financial, climate and resource realities always trump laws passed many years ago. The section from Brum to Crewe has been paused for two years. The Act says they can build it but not MUST build, regardless of fast changing circumstances and in the light of new information.
Similarly, with Metro. The Transport and Works Act has given them the Order to build it but changed circumstances does not mean that they have to go ahead with it. The TfWM/WMCA is allowed to think again and change their mind. Nothing is cast in stone and must never be changed. Even the world's climates!
Please check, question, challenge what I have written here with the authorities and tell me how they are advising you, Carol. I might well be the one who is entirely out of my mind - and not you youngsters, at all. Do tell me!
All the very best
Tim Please try my quiz:
PS bonus to amuse and inform
continued on
FROM THE INTERNET:
"An order made under the Transport and Works Act 1992 (the TWA) is the usual way of authorising schemes mainly for new railways or tramways in England and Wales. Nationally significant rail schemes in England, however, require development consent under the Planning Act 2008."
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/transport-and-works-act-orders-a-brief-guide-2006/transport-and-works-act-orders-a-brief-guide--2
A Transport and Work Act Order (TWA) is a statutory instrument made under the Transport and Works Act 1992 to authorise the construction and operation of new transport infrastructure projects, such as railways, tramways, other guided transport systems, inland waterways
No comments:
Post a Comment