Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 15
15
Accepted
New data standard will not require wider information or increased monitoring of road network.
Conclusion
The Department told us that it will not be asking local authorities to provide a wider range of information as part of the new standard to avoid increasing the administrative burden on local authorities.25 The Department confirmed that it will continue to collect information only on the condition of the road surface, not on the condition of associated parts of the network such as cycleways, walkways and bridges. It will also not require local authorities to increase the proportion of the local road network they monitor each year.26
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the committee's observation and plans to consider additional data needs, engage with MHLG to make PAS 2161 reporting mandatory, and explore greater data sharing through outcome frameworks.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
2.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Autumn 2025 2.2 The department is considering what additional data it needs to collect to gain a greater understanding of the condition of the local highway network, and how this maps onto the structures that are being set up to allow further devolution. As this work progresses the department will, as is usual, engage with the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local government to make the case for obtaining this data. 2.3 An example of this is that the department collaborated with local government to change the annual road condition reporting requirements, producing the new British Standard for Road Condition Monitoring (PAS 2161). The department has now begun engagement with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to change the single data list, to introduce the new reporting requirements against PAS 2161 as a mandatory requirement in England. 2.4 Another example of this is that the department is exploring how the aforementioned outcomes frameworks underpinning the integrated settlement can leverage greater data- sharing (as part of six-monthly reporting) between Mayoral Combined Authorities and the department on top of indicators with attached targets.