Issue - meetings

This report (referred to on the Forward Plan as ‘Kendric Ash Review Update’) provides an update on progress to date on the transformation partnership to improve the Council’s internal transport provision, improve service quality and make significant efficiency savings. 

RESOLVED: That the progress on this project be noted.

REASON:      In accordance with Council requirements to keep Members informed on the progress of major projects.

Members considered a report which provided an update on progress made on the transformation partnership set up to improve the Council’s internal transport provision, improve service quality and make efficiency savings.

Kendric Ash (now Northgate Kendric Ash, or NKA) had been appointed as the Council’s transformation partner for a 30 month period from April 2007.  The partnership covered the delivery of both contracted and internally provided transport in the areas of mainstream home to school transport, Special Educational Needs transport, transport for ‘looked after’ children and transport for adults with learning and physical disabilities.

The report outlined the operational arrangements under the NKA model, together with progress on key work streams and outstanding issues still to be dealt with.  It confirmed that the project was on course and expected to produce over £800k in gross savings over the life of the partnership, with annual net savings of over £650k after that.

Members welcomed the report and thanked the Officers and Consultants involved in the partnership.  They commented that it was important to keep a tight control on budgetary issues and the method of allocating any savings, also to keep the project under review in order to monitor quality and ensure the maintenance of best value.

Having noted the comments of the Shadow Executive, it was

RESOLVED: That the progress on this project be noted.

REASON:      In accordance with Council requirements to keep Members informed on the progress of major projects.