Decision details

To consider applications for grants to provide community transport services in 2016-17.

The Cabinet Member AGREED that:

1)  That funding proposals set in the report be approved.

2)  That the Divisional Director for Environmental Services be given delegated powers to reallocate funds, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Transport, from approved projects that become unviable owing to the level of funding allocated or to a change in circumstances of the applicant group, should such situations arise during the year.

3)  That the Divisional Director for Environmental Services be given delegated powers to negotiate new service level agreements with Keynsham Dial-a-Ride and Midsomer Norton & Radstock Dial-a-Ride to take effect from 1 October 2016 and, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Transport, to agree the appropriate levels of payment for those agreements.

The recommended awards will ensure the continuation of existing community   transport services and will help the Council meet its objectives.

The Council’s Public Transport Team has considered the applications against set criteria and assessed value for money by comparing the cost per trip of comparable schemes, based on the information that applicants provide.

One scheme applied for funding in excess of the current level (allowing for inflation) but it is recommended that the funding they receive be maintained at the 2015-16 level. The scheme concerned has been advised of the recommendation and confirm that the recommended award would not give rise to a substantial curtailment of the services they currently provide.

None.