Decision details

Purpose of Report: This report is presented in light of the decision to reduce expenditure on local bus services taken at Full Council in February 2014. Cabinet are now presented with a list of bus services which will be either reduced or withdrawn to make the required saving for the financial year 2015/16.

Members are asked to confirm the service reductions and to consider an option for additional savings, should they be required.

This decision will be taken by the Cabinet Member at a public Decision Session on 11 December 2014.

This decision will now be taken by the full Cabinet on 6 January 2015 rather than the Cabinet Member. Recognising the impact of this decision on bus service users, it is  considered that Cabinet are best placed to consider the report and balance the needs of other services and users that would be required to be cut should the recommendation in the report not be approved.

Resolved:  That Cabinet agree:

(i)           Not to make the recommended budget savings in relation to the withdrawal/reduction of bus routes;

(ii)          To undertake consultation on the criteria used for the funding of subsidised bus services;

(iii)         That the Director of City and Environmental Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Transport, Planning & Economic Development, be delegated authority to make the necessary efficiencies in services which does not involve the withdrawal of any bus routes.

Reason:     In order to retain existing services and provide transport for residents in areas where local bus operators are unable or unwilling to provide bus services commercially.