I have spent the last hour or so, and will be spending much of the rest of today, trying to get my head around the agenda for the coming week’s Council meetings.
One of the reports contains the following information, which I share because it demonstrates all too clearly the problems faced.
“Each year the highway assets are valued as a requirement of central government. In 2015 the accumulated depreciation of the highway asset has been calculated at £1.36 billion. This figure represents the loss in value of the asset due to ongoing deterioration.
Using asset management models the annual rate of depreciation has been estimated as approximately £102 million pa, which is the level of investment required to maintain all elements in a steady state condition.
The total capital allocation for the current year is £46.5m. The difference between what we would need to spend and the money we have been allocated to spend has resulted in an increasing backlog.
Every year that we are unable to spend what we need means that highway network condition will deteriorate. This will be particularly noticeable on our minor roads.”
I can only interpret this as, basically, Devon’s roads, currently in a poor condition are due to simply deteriorate still further.
The figures ( not my figures, but the County administrations) state we need approx £102m just to stand still, but the Conservatives are only going to spend £46.5m. I’m sure you can do the sums for yourself, and the consequences are equally obvious.