Issue - meetings

To consider the establishment of a Partnership Agreement with the Community Transport Association.

1.    That approval be given to the establishment of a partnership arrangement with the Community Transport Association (CTA).

2.    That the Borough Solicitor, or an authorised signatory within the Legal Section, be authorised to sign the Partnership Agreement.

3.    To officers be authorised to take all necessary action to implement and monitor the Partnership Agreement until 30 June 2014.

Consideration was given to the establishment of a Partnership Agreement with the Community Transport Association (CTA) to support the development and implementation of community and voluntary sector transport initiatives across Cheshire East.

It was reported that Local communities were often best placed to identify their own transport needs and in some cases had the capacity to develop local solutions, particularly for those who did not have access to public or private transport.  The Council was seeking innovative, creative ideas for community transport initiatives which were operated “by the community, for the community”; the types of schemes which might be supported included community bus schemes, village minibus services, voluntary car schemes or shopmobility services to meet an identified need and enable people to access local services.

The CTA was a national, independent, “not for profit” organisation that had been working with community transport organisations for more than 20 years. They were recognised as the voice of voluntary and community transport in the UK and were uniquely placed to offer a range of support and advice services, training and resources to local community groups in Cheshire East.

The CTA team had an in-depth understanding of the governance, financial, and operating environment of community transport, with knowledge of the latest best practice schemes across the UK. They were also the leading training provider in all aspects of community transport and had developed the CTA Quality Mark which covered five areas of organisational performance, i.e.: governance, transport operations, personnel, health and safety, and corporate social responsibility.

The CTA would support the launch and implementation of the Transport & Accessibility Grant Scheme, subject to approval by the Cabinet in October. The Partnership would support grant applicants to develop their ideas into robust Business Plans with future viability and sustainability built into the proposals from the outset, as well as appropriate governance, health and safety and other quality marks and safeguarding measures.

RESOLVED

1.    That approval be given to the establishment of a partnership arrangement with the Community Transport Association (CTA).

2.    That the Borough Solicitor, or an authorised signatory within the Legal Section, be authorised to sign the Partnership Agreement.

3.    To officers be authorised to take all necessary action to implement and monitor the Partnership Agreement until 30 June 2014.