10 October 2017

Dear Ken,

National Transport Finance Plan

Thank you for attending the EIS Committee’s meeting on 27 September 2017. During the meeting you indicated that you would welcome the Committee’s view on how frequently the National Transport Finance Plan should be updated.

Having discussed the issue, the Committee sees no compelling reason why the plan, and particularly its delivery schedule, should not be updated annually. This would give all of us in Wales a clear sight of where some of the exciting projects that are proposed for Wales are progressing, and where timings have slipped. Ideally an annual update to the schedule would be published in late summer to allow us to discuss the background to, and implications of, any changes with you during budget scrutiny.

In our view updating the delivery schedule tables to reflect the current status of existing projects, and adding any new projects, should not be particularly onerous since it is simply a reflection of on-going work. We believe the update should include a brief note for each entry describing any changes and giving the reason for them.

Thank you for seeking the Committee’s input on this matter. I would be grateful if you could reply outlining the action you intend to take, including your intended timings for the updates. 

Yours sincerely,

Russell George AM

Chair

Economy, Infrastructure and Skills Committee