Agenda and minutes

At this point Members are asked to declare any personal or prejudicial interests they may have in the business on this agenda.

Members were invited to declare at this point in the meeting any personal or prejudicial interests they might have in the business on the agenda.

The following Members declared a personal, non prejudicial interest in the motion on the East Coast Main Line at agenda item 13 (Minute 20 refers):

• Cllr Scott – as a member of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers
• Cllr Horton – as a member of the Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TU)
• Cllr Merrett – as an active member of the TU

The following Members declared a personal, non prejudicial interest in the Executive recommendation on the Equal Pay Update at agenda item 7 (Minute 19 refers):

• Cllr Fraser – as a member of the retired section of UNISON and the Acts section of the TGWU section of Unite
• Cllr Crisp – as a member of the retired section of UNISON
• Cllr Simpson-Laing – as a member of UNISON
• Cllr Pierce - as a previous member of UNISON

To approve and sign the minutes of the Ordinary Council meeting held on 2 April 2009 and the Annual Council meeting held on 21 May 2009.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the Ordinary meeting of Council held on 2 April 2009 and the Annual Council meeting held on 21 May 2009 be approved and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

To consider any announcements made by the Lord Mayor in respect of Civic business.

The Lord Mayor announced the receipt of a statue, a gift from a group of Chinese visitors, which was on display in the Council Chamber.

On behalf of all Members the Lord Mayor then expressed his thanks to Bill McCarthy, the Chief Executive, who would be leaving the City of York Council at the end of the month, and wished him well in his new post.

To consider excluding the press and public from the meeting during any discussion on the exempt minute relating to the Executive’s recommendation on the Equal Pay Update at agenda item 7 (Report of Executive Leader and Executive Recommendations), on the grounds that it contains information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings, which is classed as exempt under paragraph 5 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as revised by The Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006).

RESOLVED: That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during any discussion on the exempt minute relating to the Executive’s recommendation on the Equal Pay Update at agenda item 7 (Report of Executive Leader and Executive Recommendations), on the grounds that it contains information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings.  Such information is classed as exempt under paragraph 5 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as revised by The Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006).

It is at this point in the meeting that members of the public who have registered their wish to speak regarding an item on the agenda or an issue within the remit of Council may do so.  Anyone who wishes to register, or requires further information, is requested to contact the Democracy Officer for this meeting.  Contact details are listed at the foot of this agenda.  The deadline for registering is 5:00pm on Wednesday, 8 July 2009.

The Lord Mayor announced that three people had registered to speak at the meeting under the Council’s Public Participation Scheme.  Each was invited to speak for three minutes, in accordance with the rules of the Scheme.

Paul Moran, a resident of Westminster Road spoke in support of a petition to be presented by Cllr Scott regarding traffic issues on Westminster Road and The Avenue.  He highlighted the impact on residents of the ‘rat running’ that had resulted from changes to the layout at Water End and expressed the view that the problem could only be addressed by closing the roads to traffic.

Verna Campbell, who had registered to speak in relation to an amendment to be moved by Cllr Aspden to the motion on the East Coast Main Line, confirmed that she no longer wished to address the meeting as this amendment was to be withdrawn.

Mark Warters had registered to speak in relation to Cold Calling Zones in the City.  He praised the Council for extending these zones, most recently to the Fulford area, and suggested that the idea be further extended to cover other activities, such as leafleting.  He went on to comment on a recent European Court ruling regarding the Osbaldwick development.

To consider any petitions received from Members in accordance with Standing Order No.7.  To date, notice has been received of petitions to be presented by:

(i)                 Cllr King, on behalf of residents seeking a ban on the consumption of alcohol in Clarence Gardens.

(ii)               Cllr Potter, on behalf of residents seeking a 20 mph speed limit in residential streets in York.

(iii)             Cllr Gunnell, on behalf of residents of Nunmill Street supporting the provision of a 20 mph zone along the whole length of their street.

(iv)              Cllr Fraser, on behalf of residents calling for a 20 mph speed limit in streets in the Micklegate Ward.

(v)                Cllr Simpson-Laing, on behalf of residents calling for a 20 mph speed limit in Lidgett Grove and Newlands Drive.

(vi)              Cllr Douglas, on behalf of local residents regarding bollards in Westminster Road.

(vii)            Cllr Scott, on behalf of local residents regarding lighting on Grosvenor Road.

(viii)          Cllr Bowgett, on behalf of residents of Holgate asking for the no. 5 bus to take on the route of the former no. 16 (i.e., via Stonebow).

Under Standing Order 7, petitions were presented by:

(i)                 Cllr Looker, on behalf of residents seeking a ban on the consumption of alcohol in Clarence Gardens.¹

(ii)               Cllr Potter, on behalf of residents calling for a 20 mph speed limit on Newlands Drive. ²

(iii)             Cllr Gunnell, on behalf of residents of Nunmill Street calling for a 20 mph speed limit on their street. ³

(iv)       Cllr Gunnell, on behalf of residents of Scarcroft Hill calling for a 20 mph speed limit on their street. ⁴

(v)                Cllr Fraser, on behalf of residents of Micklegate Ward calling for a 20 mph speed limit on residential streets in the City. ⁵

(vi)              Cllr Simpson-Laing, on behalf of residents calling for a 20 mph speed limit on Lidgett Grove and Newlands Drive. ⁶

(vii)            Cllr Scott, on behalf of local residents, regarding traffic issues on Westminster Road and The Avenue. ⁷

(viii)          Cllr Scott, on behalf of local residents, regarding street lighting on Grosvenor Road. ⁸

(ix)              Cllr Bowgett, on behalf of residents of Holgate asking for the no. 5 bus to take on the route of the former no. 16, via Stonebow. ⁹

To receive and consider a written report from the Leader on the work of the Executive, and the Executive recommendations for approval, as set out below:

A written report was received from the Executive Leader, Cllr Andrew Waller, on the work of the Executive.

In presenting his report, the Leader endorsed the comments of the Lord Mayor on the imminent departure of the Chief Executive and recorded his thanks to Adam Wilkinson, the Interim Director of Neighbourhood Services, who would also be leaving shortly to take up the post of Chief Executive of Derby City Council.

After leaders of the Opposition groups had responded to his report, the Executive Leader moved, and Cllr Runciman seconded, the following recommendation contained in Minute 26 of the Executive meeting held on 23 June 2009 (Community Stadium – Outline Business Case):

“That Council endorse the approach set out in the report and allocate £100k from general reserves in 2009/10 to provide funds for the delivery of this work, which will include specialist external advice to ensure delivery within the next 12 months.”

On being put to the vote, the above recommendation was declared CARRIED and it was

RESOLVED: That the recommendation contained in Minute 26 of the Executive meeting held on 23 June 2009 be agreed. ¹

The Leader then moved, and Cllr Runciman seconded, the following recommendation contained in Minute 37 of the Executive meeting held on 7 July 2009 (Customer Strategy):

“That the Customer Strategy and Delivery Plan be approved.”

On being put to the vote, the above recommendation was declared CARRIED and it was

RESOLVED: That the recommendation contained in Minute 37 of the Executive meeting held on 7 July 2009 be agreed.²

At this stage in the meeting, the press and public were excluded, in accordance with the resolution made under agenda item 4, to enable Council to debate the recommendation contained in the exempt minute on the Equal Pay Update.

The Leader then moved, and Cllr Runciman seconded, the recommendation contained in Minute 27 of the Executive meeting held on 23 June 2009 (Equal Pay Update).

Cllr Scott then moved, and Cllr Potter seconded, that the matter be referred back to the Executive with a request that they provide a report to Council explaining the basis for the recommendation.

On being put to the vote, Cllr Scott’s proposal was declared CARRIED and it was

RESOLVED: That the recommendation contained in Minute 27 of the Executive meeting held on 23 June 2009 be referred back to the Executive with a request that they provide a report to Council explaining the basis of the recommendation. ³

At this point in the meeting, the Lord Mayor varied the order of business to enable Members to debate as an urgent motion the motion relating to the East Coast Main Line of which notice had been given by Cllr Gillies.

Cllr Gillies then moved, and Cllr Scott seconded, that

“Council notes the announcement by Lord Adonis, the transport secretary, on 1^st July, concerning the future of the East Coast Main Line rail franchise.

Council expresses grave concerns about the stability of jobs and must ensure it does all within its powers to protect the jobs of those currently working for National Express East Coast in the City long term, and also to represent the interests of fare paying passengers travelling to and from York.

Council therefore requests:

·        That the Chief Executive requests a meeting urgently with the main party leaders, National Express, the City’s MPs, trades union leaders and the Minister of State for Transport, Lord Adonis, to secure the long term future of the East Coast Main Line jobs in York and vital rail connections to and from the City.”¹

Cllr Aspden then indicated that he wished to withdraw an amendment to the above motion of which he had previously given notice.  Council having consented to the withdrawal, the above motion was put to the vote and was declared CARRIED and it was

RESOLVED: That the above notice of motion be approved.

To receive the Annual Report of the Standards Committee for the Municipal Year 2008/09, which was approved by the Committee at its meeting on 26 June 2009.

Mrs Christine Bainton, the Independent Chair of the Standards Committee, presented the Annual Report of the Standards Committee for the Municipal Year 2008/09.

Mrs Bainton then moved receipt of the Annual Report and Cllr Horton seconded the motion and it was

RESOLVED: That the Annual Report of the Standards Committee for 2008/09 be received.

To consider the recommendation made by the Standards Committee at their meeting on 26 June 2009 regarding a revised Protocol on Officer / Member Relations (a copy of the revised Protocol is attached).

Mrs Bainton then moved, and Cllr Horton seconded, the recommendation contained in Minute 10 of the Standards Committee meeting held on 26 June 2009 in respect of a revised Protocol on Officer / Member Relations. 

Following a debate on this recommendation, Cllr Pierce moved, and Cllr Scott seconded, that the matter be referred back to the Standards Committee for further consideration, with particular reference to the wording at paragraph 3.2 of the revised Protocol.

On being put to the vote, Cllr Pierce’s proposal was declared CARRIED and it was

RESOLVED: That the Protocol on Officer / Member Relations be referred back to the Standards Committee for further consideration.¹

To receive a report from Councillor Healey, the Chair of the Scrutiny Management Committee (SMC) on the work of the SMC.

A written report was received from Cllr Paul Healey, the Chair of the Scrutiny Management Committee (SMC) on the work of the SMC since the last report to Council, on 2 April 2009.

To receive a written report from the Executive Member for Corporate Services, and to question the Executive Member thereon, provided any such questions are registered in accordance with the timescales and procedures set out in Standing Order 8(2)(a).

Notice has been given of the following questions to the Executive Member:*

(i)         From Cllr R Watson:

“In his report the Executive Member describes the Place Survey results as 'extremely encouraging', please could he explain why he believes this to be the case?”

(ii)        From Cllr Sunderland

“Could the Executive Member please inform Council of the percentage of invoices paid by the council within 30 days?”

(iii)       From CllrKeith Orrell

“Could the Executive Member explain the impact the recession has had on the collection rate for business rates?”

(iv)       From Cllr Christian Vassie

“Following the success of the rollout of 450 'thin client' PCs as detailed in his report, could the Executive Member detail the future plans for the use of 'thin clients' in the council?”

*Note: the above questions were added to this agenda on 8 July 2009.

A written report was received from Cllr Moore, the Executive Member for Corporate Services.

Notice had been received of four questions on the report, submitted by Members in accordance with Standing Orders.  The questions were put and answered as follows:

(i)         From Cllr R Watson:

“In his report the Executive Member describes the Place Survey as 'extremely encouraging', please could he explain why he believes this to be the case?”

            The Executive Member replied:

“The Place Survey takes place every two years, as part of the Comprehensive Area Assessment.  There are eighteen ‘resident perception based’ National Performance Indicators (NPI) which are designed to gather comprehensive feedback from local citizens on what it's like to live and work in York.   This is a survey of residents undertaken independently of the Council.

A preliminary comparative assessment has been carried out through the PriceWaterhouseCoopers benchmarking site and York has done extremely well with:

·        13 of the 18 are performing above average (including all 4 of the LAA Place Survey targets)

·        10 of the 18 Place Survey NPIs in the top quartile (including 2 LAA targets)

·        no target in the bottom quartile

As previously stated I believe these are extremely encouraging results.”

(ii)        From Cllr Sunderland:

“Could the Executive Member please inform Council of the percentage of invoices paid by the council within 30 days?”

The Executive Member replied:

“The percentage of invoices paid within 30 dayswas 97.4% for 2008/09. This area of performance is particularly important in the current economic climate, as local businesses rely on prompt payments from the council to maintain a healthy cash-flow. When comparing the council's performance with other authorities, this places York in the top quartile and represents good improvement from four years ago when it was processing 92% within 30 days.”

(iii)       From Cllr Orrell:

“Could the Executive Member explain the impact the recession has had on the collection rate for business rates?”

The Executive Member replied:

“In the three years from 2005/06 to 2007/08 the in-year collection rates rose from 97% to 98.3%.  However, in 2008/09 the collection rate dropped by 0.8% to 97.5%.  This drop is attributed to the effect of the economic downturn, as more businesses experienced difficulties. 

National figures provided by the Department for Communities and Local Government show that for all English authorities the collection rate dropped last year by 0.98%, with a 1.15% fall for unitary councils.  This shows that the city is, at present, performing well in response to the recession, relative to other areas.  However, there will be no complacency, and collection rates will continue to be monitored.”

(iv)       From Cllr Vassie:

“Following the success of the rollout of 450 'thin client' PCs as detailed in his report, could the Executive Member detail the future plans for the use of 'thin clients' in the Council?”

The Executive Member replied:

“There is already an approved project in progress to roll out at least a  further 200 thin client devices during 2009/10.  We are also proposing to accelerate the deployment  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23.

Minutes of the following meetings of outside bodies, received since the last meeting of Council, have been made available for Members to view via the Council’s website at

http://sql003.york.gov.uk/mgListOutsideBodies.asp?bcr=1

Copies may also be obtained by contacting Democracy Support Group at the Guildhall, York (tel. 01904 551088)

• North Yorkshire Police Authority – Meeting held on 17/04/09

• Quality Bus Partnership – Meeting held on 12/03/09

• Regional Transport Forum - Meeting held on 20/03/09

• Safer York Partnership – Meeting held on 07/04/09

• Without Walls Partnership – Meeting held on 12/05/09

• York NHS Foundation Trust – Meeting held on 11/03/09

• Economic Development Partnership Board – Meeting held on 09/03/09

Members are invited to put any questions to the Council’s representatives on the above bodies, in accordance with Standing Order 10(b).

Minutes of the following outside bodies had been made available for Members to view on the Council’s website:

• North Yorkshire Police Authority – Meeting held on 17/04/09

• Quality Bus Partnership – Meeting held on 12/03/09

• Regional Transport Forum - Meeting held on 20/03/09

• Safer York Partnership – Meeting held on 07/04/09

• Without Walls Partnership – Meeting held on 12/05/09

• York NHS Foundation Trust – Meeting held on 11/03/09

• Economic Development Partnership Board – Meeting held on 09/03/09

No questions had been submitted to representatives on the above bodies.

To consider the appointments and changes to membership of committees and outside bodies set out on the list attached to this summons.

Members proposed the following additions to the list of appointments and changes circulated around the Council:

Corporate Appeals Panel

To appoint the following as additional substitutes:

Labour:                                   Cllr Looker

Conservative:                        Cllr Wiseman

Effective Organisation Overview & Scrutiny Committee

To appoint Cllr Horton as Vice Chair

RESOLVED:             That the appointments to Committees, Outside Bodies and Working Groups set out in the list circulated around the Council Chamber, and the above additions proposed by Members at the meeting, be approved (in accordance with the list attached as Annex A to these minutes).

To consider the following Notices of Motion under Standing Order 11:

A – Motions referred from the Executive in accordance with Standing Order 11(a)(i)

None

B – Motions submitted for consideration directly by Council, in accordance with Standing Orders 11(a)(ii)

(i)         From Cllr Morley

“Council notes that in the period 2005/06 to 2008/09 over £20m in council house rent income has been lost locally through negative subsidy under the Housing Revenue Subsidy System.

Council notes with regret that, had this money been retained in York as called for by this council in 2007, it could have been used to invest in new affordable housing to help residents in need of affordable housing and to help to protect jobs in the house building sector.  

Therefore, Council resolves to support the LGA campaign calling for:

• The replacement of the current housing finance system with a new system that allows councils to retain 100% of locally-raised revenue and provides flexibility for investment in locally-determined priorities
• Support for council-led housing development to ensure that home-building continues during the recession

Council instructs the Chief Executive to write to local MPs expressing the views of Council and urging them to sign EDM 1683 supporting the LGA’s campaign.”

(ii)        From Cllr Crisp

“This Council asks the Executive member for Leisure, Culture & Heritage to bring forward a report that:

• Sets out a clear program of the meeting dates for the University Swimming Pool Steering Group for the remainder of the municipal year.
• Outlines a clear and final completion date for the University Pool
• Identifies a mechanism for the closing of the reported funding gap for the University Pool

and

• Outlines the Council’s strategy to provide a pool in a City Centre location if completion at the University site by 2011 is not feasible and that that strategy has a clear and timely completion date.

And that this report will be brought to the next Council meeting in October 2009.”

(iii)       From Cllr Gillies

"Council notes the announcement by Lord Adonis, the transport secretary, on 1^st July, concerning the future of the East Coast Main Line rail franchise. 

Council expresses grave concerns about the stability of jobs and must ensure it does all within its powers to protect the jobs of those currently working for National Express East Coast in the City long term, and also to represent the interests of fare paying passengers traveling to and from York.

Council therefore requests:

• That the Chief Executive requests a meeting urgently with the main party leaders, National Express, the City’s MPs, trades union leaders and the Minister of State for Transport, Lord Adonis, to secure the long term future of East Coast Main jobs in York and vital rail connections to and from the City.”

(iv)       From Cllr Fraser

“Council condemns the lack of commitment shown by the current administration to improving community safety and tackling crime, such as domestic burglary.

Despite their Lib Dem 2003 Election manifesto pledge to ‘promote crime prevention measures, especially in the estates’, and  ...  view the full agenda text for item 26.

(i)            Housing Revenue Subsidy System

            It was moved by Cllr Morley and seconded by Cllr Hyman that:

“Council notes that in the period 2005/06 to 2008/09 over £20m in council house rent income has been lost locally through negative subsidy under the Housing Revenue Subsidy System.

Council notes with regret that, had this money been retained in York as called for by this Council in 2007, it could have been used to invest in new affordable housing to help residents in need of affordable housing and to help protect jobs in the house building sector.

Therefore, Council resolves to support the LGA campaign calling for:

·        The replacement of the current housing finance system with a new system that allows councils to retain 100% of locally-raised revenue and provides flexibility for investment in locally-determined priorities.

·        Support for council-led housing development to ensure that home-building continues during the recession.

Council instructs the Chief Executive to write to local MPs expressing the views of Council and urging them to sign EDM 1683 supporting the LGA’s campaign.” ¹

On being put to the vote, the motion was declared CARRIED and it was

RESOLVED:            That the above notice of motion be approved.

(ii)            University Swimming Pool

            It was moved by Cllr Crisp and seconded by Cllr x that:

“This Council asks the Executive Member for Leisure, Culture and Heritage to bring forward a report that:

·     Sets out a clear programme of the meeting dates for the University Swimming Pool Steering Group for the remainder of the municipal year;

·     Outlines a clear and final completion date for the University Pool;

·     Identifies a mechanism for the closing of the reported funding gap for the University Pool and

·     Outlines the Council’s strategy to provide a pool in a City Centre location if completion at the University by 2011 is not feasible and that that strategy has a clear and timely completion date,

and that this report will be brought to the next Council meeting in October 2009.” ²

Cllr Ayre then moved, and Cllr Sue Galloway seconded, an amendment to the above motion, as follows:

“Delete all after ‘This Council’ and replace with:

‘notes the commitment of the Liberal Democrat administration to investing in quality leisure facilities for the city. Evidenced by the ambitious £15m leisure and culture capital programme introduced since 2003 which includes:

·        The £1.2m refurbishment of Yearsley Pool – a pool Labour earmarked for closure.

·        The development of a new £6.7m pool at York High, which will open later this year.

Council reaffirms its commitment to a county standard pool in the city and instructs the Executive Member to work with senior council officers, representatives from the university and other partners to progress plans for such a pool.’”

            On being put to the vote, the amendment was declared LOST.

The original motion was then put to the vote and declared CARRIED and it was

RESOLVED:            That the above notice of motion be approved.

To deal with the following questions to the Executive Leader and / or other Executive Members, in accordance with Standing Order 10(a):

(i)         To the Executive Member for City Strategy, from Cllr Alexander:

“Can the Executive Member for City Strategy please tell me why Council officers have said that an authorised new bus stop on Hamilton drive cost £2,000 but an authorised replacement bus stop on Hamilton Drive East only cost £85?”

(ii)        To the Executive Member for City Strategy, from Cllr Fraser:

“Can the Executive Member for City Strategy explain the inordinate delay in ensuring that the CCTV camera installed on Bishopthorpe Road becomes operative?”

(iii)       To the Executive Member for City Strategy, from Cllr Firth:

            “Would the Executive Member comment on the latest bus usage and bus reliability performance in the City?”

(iv)       To the Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services from Cllr Aspden:

“Can the Executive Member give an update on progress made towards using the Sustainable Communities Act to benefit York?”

(v)        To the Executive Member for Leisure, Culture and Social Inclusion, from Cllr Alexander

“Can the Executive Member for Leisure, Culture & Social Inclusion describe his objectives for the coming year and how he plans to overcome problems within the portfolio area that his predecessor could not?”

(vi)       To the Executive Member for Housing & Adult Social Services, from Cllr Horton:

“Will the new Executive Member for HASS explain to myself, my fellow Ward Councillor and the residents of Almsford Road, the cost to the Council in Officer time and other costs, in relation to the failed attempt to bring 17 Almsford Road in to affordable housing usage?”

Six questions had been submitted to the Executive Leader and Executive Members under Standing Order 11.3.  The guillotine having fallen, Members agreed to receive written responses to these questions.  The questions and the written responses are set out below:

(i)         To the Executive Member for City Strategy, from Cllr Alexander:

“Can the Executive Member for City Strategy please tell me why Council Officers have said that an authorised new bus stop on Hamilton Drive cost £2,000 but an authorised replacement bus stop on Hamilton Drive East only cost £85?”

Reply

“To provide a full engineering brief for a new bus stop includes:

·        Consultation with local residents at a site never to have had a bus stop before

·        Full accessibility measures (Kassel kerbs and a 'bus stop' box cage on the road)

·        High quality flag, pole and timetable

·        Installation

= £2000

To re-plant a fallen pole (no new infrastructure required) and seal with concrete

= £85”

(ii)        To the Executive Member for City Strategy, from Cllr Firth:

“Would the Executive Member comment on the latest bus usage and bus reliability performance in the City?

Reply

“Patronage

As reported in NPI 177/ BVPI 102 (Local bus passenger journeys originating in the authority area on all bus service - including commercial operations) ridership is as follows:

2007/8: 14,853,143

2008/9: 15,334,448

Patronage on bus services across the City has consistently been at approximately 15 million since 2004. 

Park and Ride services have seen year on year increases for several years. Total, annual, patronage has increased by 2% over the past year. However, May 2009 figures show a 5.8% drop when compared to May 2008.  Of particular note is an 11.8% drop at Rawcliffe Bar which would suggest a reduction in the number of visitors from the north east.

Subsidised services are difficult to quantify exactly due to the changeable nature of the commercial/subsidised network. However, a couple of fairly consistent route surveys demonstrate the following modest ridership increases:

Service 20 (Acomb - Clifton Moor - Haxby - Monks Cross)  

April 2007   6754

April 2008   7641

April 2009   8885

Service 11 evening/Sunday (Bishopthorpe - York)

April 2007   1919

April 2008   1661

April 2009   2402

Service 24 (Fulford - York -Acomb)

April 2007   4080

April 2008   4730

April 2009   5320

Commercial services -  The one operator not running any subsidised services in York, Yorkshire Coastliner (now part of Transdev), returned patronage of 600,907 for 2007/8, increasing to 652,282 for 2008/9.

Reliability

LTP 5 figures indicate the following for the past two years:

Percentage of services starting their route on time:

2007/08        68.3%

2008/09        70.9%

Percentage of services on time at intermediate timing points:

2007/08        22.9%

2008/9          52%

The figures were collected via on-street surveys over a one month period where 'on time' refers to the national standard of between 1 minute earlier and 5 minutes later than the scheduled arrival time.

As per the 'public transport review' of last Winter, the Council will be in a position to monitor services using real time passenger  ...  view the full minutes text for item 27.