Decision details

Cabinet considered a report on the outcome of the bus service review and an approach to implement a new network of supported local bus services for Cheshire East. 

A comprehensive public consultation had been completed, based upon on a consulted network of supported bus routes. The Consultation Summary Report was attached as Appendix 3 to the report. It was recommended that a set of modifications be made to the routes as consulted on in order to better reflect the needs of residents as identified during the public consultation. A summary of the resulting network and the changes from the consulted network was attached at Appendix 1 to the report.

The recommended approach could require some relaxation of the funding targets stated in the Medium Term Financial Strategy. The approach would realise savings in excess of £1m in 2018/19 whilst responding positively to issues raised in the consultation. 

The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Communication reported the recommendations of the Environment and Regeneration Overview and Scrutiny Committee at its meetings on 23^rd October and 2^nd November 2017 as appended to these minutes.

RESOLVED

That Cabinet

1.    approves the proposals for the new network of supported local bus services as set out in the report, as a basis for commencement of a suitable procurement process;

2.    authorises the Executive Director of Place, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Communication, to finalise costed proposals for the network proposals, to commence from April 2018 subject to satisfactory tender returns from operators;

3.    subject to the outcome of the procurement process, agrees that the Executive Director of Place, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Communication, identify any additional enhancements to the proposals for supported local bus services, informed by the evidence base from this review and public consultation and taking into account the Medium Term Financial Strategy; and

4.    notes that any material changes to the proposals arising as a result of the procurement process will be reported to Cabinet at the appropriate time, for instance, should any route attract no bids or there are significant changes to the commercial bus network.