§ Mr. Colin Shepherdasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he is satisfied with the arrangements for technical supervision on continuous and periodic bases of a highway maintenance arrangement under section 42 of the Highways Act 1980 when a non-metropolitan district council exercises its option to undertake the maintenance of its unclassified roads; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyYes. Day-to-day supervision of works is the responsibility of the district council. The county council is responsible for approving the district council's detailed estimates, and may withhold payment until it is satisfied that the works are properly executed.
The Audit Commission is currently undertaking a special study into highway maintenance which includes agency arrangements between county and district councils.