Issue - meetings

At the last meeting of the Committee, Members considered a report on a review of adult services transport.  The Committee resolved that they receive a report back on the outcomes of the consultation and the attached report to Cabinet gives the outcomes and recommendations.

The Committee considered a report on a consultation undertaken regarding Adult Services transport.  The original timescale for the consultation had been extended so that the consultation ran from 2 November 2010 to 31 January 2011. 

The consultation proposed a phased programme from April 2011 to move away from Strategically Commissioned Adult Transport provision over the next two financial years.  The Council was committed to ensuring that no individual would have commissioned transport withdrawn without an appropriate alternative solution being available to them to meet their eligible unmet transport needs.  The proposal for a two year phased programme would enable interest from the market to be measured and enable a safe transition for customers.  It was recognised that there may be a need to retain a small element of strategically commissioned transport for individuals in exceptional circumstances who could not be supported to travel through alternative transport options.

The report explained that strategically commissioned transport did not meet the requirements of personalisation as it gave limited choice and flexibility.  

During the first twelve months of the programme, the focus would be on market development to scope and develop a range of services such as appropriate alternative transport options in the private market, developing volunteer services with the Third Sector, concessionary travel for carers, accreditation of accessible taxis, accessible buses, scoping rural transport issues and examining options. 

The consultation also outlined how currently the transport budget was used to deliver transport to 420 adults to and from their day care provision using fleet transport vehicles (43 minibuses) or hired transport.  The current cost per one way trip was £9 to the Council but £2 to the service user and it was proposed that this cost to the user be increased to £4 per one way trip from 9 April 2011.   

During discussion of the report the following issues were raised:

      The phased approach was welcomed;

      Appropriate alternatives must be available and service users and carers must receive full information on all options;

      What would happen to the Dial A Ride service and was it likely to be able to take on new customers or was it running at full capacity already?   In response, the Committee was advised that community transport operators were a very important option for service users and this type of transport would need developing in the future;

      The importance of providing transport options in rural areas.

RESOLVED:  That the consultation process and proposals be noted.