To seek approval to achieve the required public transport route subsidy budget savings through award of contracts as set out in this report.

THAT:

(a)  the outcome of the public consultation on the bus network review be noted;

(b)  the recommendations for achieving the required savings for supported bus services set out at table 1 in the Report be agreed subject to further consultation with relevant Ward Members regarding the detail of implementation; and

(c)  theongoing review of community transport services and proposals to commence a strategic review of all commissioned passenger transport services in the autumn be noted.

To ensure that the Council continues to support financially sustainable bus services which meet the priorities of users and support the Council’s wider corporate priorities.

1              The report set out the sensible and measured approach adopted to secure the savings required to achieve a balanced budget for supported bus services. It was based on the options and priorities confirmed through the public consultation exercise.

2              An alternative option available to the Council would have been to provide sufficient funding to cover the budget pressures impacting on supported bus services. However, given the overall budget pressures facing the Council it was acknowledged that this might only have been achieved by further reductions in other services.