16 July 2008

CSS HAS A HELPING HAND IN VITAL INFRASTRUCTURE REVIEW

CSS has contributed to a national review of UK’s public sector assets.

The roads network and transport infrastructure represent Government’s biggest capital asset by far. Worth many billions of pounds it is vital to the country’s economic prosperity.

Few authorities know what their infrastructure is worth, what it consists of and what condition it is in. Government believe that asset management could play a key role in tackling these problems.

But many authorities had inadequate information and progress in implementing asset management was slow.

As a result HM Treasury and the Department for Transport commissioned CIPFA to undertake a review of accounting, management and finance mechanisms for local authority transport infrastructure. The results of which have been released here.

CSS and the Local Authority Technical Advisers Group produced a Valuation document, which provides more detailed guidance for the CIPFA report on highway infrastructure.

Matthew Lugg, chair of the Engineering Committee, said: “CSS have been heavily involved in contributing both to the original development of the guidance and also as a consultee for the final report. CSS through the Engineering and Finance Committees are keen to work closely with CIPFA to provide further support and advice during implementation of the Asset Valuation process.”

ends

Media contact  

Susan Tolman, Daybreak Communications office 0845 644 3845; mobile 07786 543430; susan.tolman@daybreakcomm.co.uk 

Notes to editors                                                                                                                  

• CSS represents local authority chief officers who manage some of the most pressing issues facing the UK today. Membership is drawn from all four corners of the United Kingdom with members responsible for three-quarters of the road network, two thirds of the land area and just under half of the population of England and Wales. Operating at the strategic tier of local government, they are closely involved in crucial transport, waste management, environment, planning, energy and economic development issues.

• Matthew Lugg is Chair of the CSS Engineering Committee. The committee provides technical advice and expertise to the Roads Liaison Group and its four associated boards.  The chair of the committee is a member of the Roads Liaison Group and the committee also provides the Chairs for the Roads, Bridges and Lighting Boards.