9/11/2004 - Road ahead for better highways

Cumbrian taxpayers and road users will benefit from a new arrangement between the County Council and Amey. The county council is set to enter into a seven year contract with Amey that will see Cumbrians benefit from improved highways maintenance and year on year savings of £1m. Today the county council's Cabinet, following detailed negotiations with AIS, recommended the deal to the County Council. 

Leader of the County Council, Tim Stoddard says:

"Since we selected Amey as our preferred bidder a great deal of work has been completed to secure the best possible arrangements for service users and employees. I have no doubts that the new arrangements will lead to a more efficient highways service and allow the construction business to thrive. 

This is a positive move that will secure increased investment in the highways service, protect the interests of our employees and bring financial benefits to taxpayers."

The externalisation of the county council's Construction Unit is part of the innovative Invest to Save and Improve Initiative. It will modernise the service in-line with Government policy. The proposed seven-year contract will give the business greater freedom to operate, remove the constraints of being a council run business, secure significant capital investment and provide improved job security for current employees.

Tim Heslop, county council spokesman for Cumbria Contract Services adds:

"Great credit goes to all those involved in bringing this contract together. We will see year on year improvements both in terms of service delivery and financial efficiency. Current employees, who are the people that have built the secure business foundation, will benefit from greater job security and have their current employment rights protected. The local economy will benefit from a stronger local business able to attract a greater amount of work. Just as important the county council will secure a great amount of private sector investment in plant and equipment that we couldn't have achieved on our own. "

The recommendation from the Cabinet will be considered by the next meeting of the County Council on the 18 November. If approved detailed negotiations will continue towards the externalisation of the Construction Unit on 1 April 2005.