Financial Support for Public Transport
Meeting: 18/09/2012 - Environment and Prosperity Scrutiny Committee (Item 46)
46 Financial Support for Public Transport 
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To consider a report of the Strategic Director of Places and Organisational Capacity.
Additional documents:
- Draft Cabinet report, item 46
PDF 261 KB
- Copy of Appendix 1 - Prioritisation of Services version 2, item 46
PDF 55 KB
- Appendix 2 - Consultation Summary Report, item 46
PDF 223 KB
- Appendix 3A - School Days, item 46
PDF 52 KB
- Appendix 3B - Non School Days, item 46
PDF 65 KB
- Appendix 4 - Equality Impact Assessment, item 46
PDF 309 KB
- Appendix 5 - Implementation Timetable, item 46
PDF 51 KB
Minutes:
At the Committee meeting on 8 August 2012 the Committee requested that the draft Financial Support for Public Transport report to Cabinet, with associated recommendations, be presented at this meeting. The draft Cabinet report contained analysis of the consultation that took place in relation to the proposals for changes to public transport subsidy. The purpose of the consultation was to establish the impact that the proposed changes to services would have on user so that an equality impact assessment (EIA) could be produced. This EIA allowed the Transport Service to develop proposals which would allow the Council to reduce its financial support whilst minimising the impact on protected equality groups, particularly older and disabled people.
Appendices 3A and 3B contained the proposals to reduce or withdraw funding subsidies for particular bus services supported by Cheshire East which would result in a reduction in spending of £736,000 per annum. Appendix 5 of the report contained an implementation timetable for ceasing of subsidies. The date given for ceasing of subsidies was 20 December 2012 which concerned some Members as this was just before Christmas. The Transport Manager reassured the Committee by stating that decisions on individual contract decisions would be made by him in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment and dates of subsidies ceasing were flexible. This meant that where it was felt appropriate subsidies would continue beyond the 20 December 2012 date.
Councillor Brickhill asked whether it would be appropriate for any parish council to provide funds to subsidies public transport in its community. The Transport Manager stated that Cheshire East would support any decision to supply funds to maintain subsidies to any services from any source including town and parish councils, employers, traders and other organisations.
Councillor Brickhill wished it to be noted that he voted against the resolution of the Committee.
Votes for- 4; votes against- 3; and abstentions- 1.
RESOLVED - That the draft Cabinet report be noted.