Report urges phased introduction of AMPs

01 August 2007

Urgent action is needed to phase in a system of asset management plans (AMP) to give accurate and up-to-date information on the value and cost of maintaining local authority road and transport infrastructure, according to a draft report to The Treasury.

The consultation report, published by a Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy review team, says AMP could lead to savings of more than £250M a year, and calls for councils and the Government to take the ‘first stepping stones to well-maintained highways across the length and breadth of the country.’

‘The roads network and other transport infrastructure assets together represent by far the biggest capital asset that the UK public sector holds,’ the report states. However, few authorities know the value of their infrastructure and ‘detailed information on what it consists of, and the condition it is in, is patchy and often out-of-date’.

Although it acknowledges some problems in quantifying the exact savings from adopting an AMP-based approach, it says: ‘Early findings indicate that on an extremely conservative estimate, recurring savings of £250M on the 2005/06 capital and revenue budget of £5bn should be easily achievable.’

Allowing time for councils to build up detailed inventories and data on local transport infrastructure, the report suggests the information could be included in accounts for 2009-10, at a cost of some £15M. The report expands on recommendations made in a 2005 study by the County Surveyors’ Society and Technical Advisers Group.

Mathew Lugg, chair of the CSS engineering committee, said: ‘I am really pleased with the news that asset management of transport infrastructure will go ahead because I have been championing the benefits for some time. ‘Local authorities will, in turn, have a clearer indication of where funding is needed. I am calling, however, for more money to be available up-front to councils to get them up-to-speed on what is going to be required of them to do this efficiently.’

Roger Elphick, head of highway management at Durham County Council, added: ‘Hopefully, the report will lead to greater recognition of just how important transport infrastructure is, and we will see that reflected in future funding allocations.’ He said he was hopeful it would influence the Comprehensive Spending Review, ‘but it was probably too late, even though the Treasury is aware of it’. CIPFA has set a date of 28 September set for responses, with a final version to be submitted to The Treasury by November.

www.cipfa.org.uk

Register now for full access

Register just once to get unrestricted, real-time coverage of the issues and challenges facing UK transport and highways engineers.

Full website content includes the latest news, exclusive commentary from leading industry figures and detailed topical analysis of the highways, transportation, environment and place-shaping sectors. Use the link below to register your details for full, free access.

Already a registered? Login

Sign In

Report urges phased introduction of AMPs

order biaxin tablets

buying biaxin

ordering clarithromycin

Register now for full access

Login