Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 23
23
Acknowledged
Over half of local authorities demonstrate low active travel capability and ambition.
Conclusion
The NAO reported that DfT expects ATE to have a key role in developing the capability of local authorities. This includes the ability of local authorities to plan local transport networks where active travel is integrated with other modes. ATE has begun its work with local authorities that it deemed to have lower capability and ambition in relation to active travel and is establishing ways of working with authorities to provide guidance and support. We note, however, that there is a long way to go to improve local authority capability and ambition. In 2023, ATE assessed that more than half (56%) of local authorities were at ‘level 0’ or ‘level 1’, indicating relatively low levels of capability and ambition.54 Funding uncertainty
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the implied recommendation regarding local authority capability, stating it is implemented. It details current scheme monitoring and evaluation thresholds, and notes ATE is developing revised evaluation approaches while continuing to assess and rate local authority capability, with revised ratings planned for 2024.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
3.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Recommendation implemented 3.2 The department should clarify that all grant funding it provides is monitored, for example, to ensure that expected outputs are delivered. Evaluation of schemes, including, for example, the impact a scheme has had on rates of cycling and walking, is longer-term and more resource intensive. The department has previously set a £2 million threshold for evaluation on individual schemes. However, in the most recent round of active travel grant funding, ‘Active Travel Fund 4’, local authorities with schemes costing between £1 million and £2 million were strongly encouraged to undertake evaluation. Schemes above £750,000 are also required to submit a full economic appraisal using the Active Mode Appraisal Toolkit. 3.3 The department accepts this means it does not have a complete understanding of the effectiveness of all active travel schemes and, as noted in the Committee’s report, the average value of schemes from recent funding rounds was £750,000. However, as noted at paragraph 2.9, a broader ‘portfolio evaluation’ of active travel investment will consider a sample of schemes with lower values. The department considers this to be a proportionate use of resources and in line with HM Treasury’s Green Book on evaluation. 3.4 In addition, and as per the department’s response to recommendation 2b, ATE is developing a revised approach to scheme evaluation. ATE is also working with local authorities to understand their ability to deliver active travel interventions effectively. ATE published the ‘capability ratings’ for all local authorities on 10 March 2023, and plans to publish revised ratings in 2024.