Issue - meetings

To agree the award of contracts for supported public transport services operating in rural parts of Bath & North East Somerset

The Chair asked all Cabinet members to confirm that they had read and considered the public interest test (Appendix A replacement).  All agreed.

On a motion from Councillor Caroline Roberts, seconded by Councillor Paul Crossley, it was

RESOLVED (unanimously)

(1) To AGREE that Appendix A constitutes exempt information according to the categories set out in the Local government Act 1972 (amended Schedule 12A) because it contains information which relates to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information) and therefore that the public interest is best served by exemption of the information.

The Chair asked Cabinet members if they would confirm that they would not make reference to exempt Appendix A during the debate, so that the public need not be excluded from the meeting.  All agreed.

David Redgewell in an ad hoc statement welcomed the proposals.  He listed a number of services which he was pleased to note would be saved or extended by the plans, particularly a number of village services. He made particular reference however to the fact that it was necessary for the Council to subsidise cross-boundary services to which Somerset County Council did not contribute although he recognised that these services provided a valuable social benefit and also supported the Bath night-time economy.

Councillor Liz Richardson in an ad hoc statement welcomed the fact that service 752 was retained and that the evening service 672 via Chew Magna was being supported.

Councillor Caroline Roberts in proposing the item, said that the proposals would deliver increased services but with a saving of £12K.  This had been achieved in two cases by using the Council’s own underused fleet.  A number of services had been improved but it had also been felt necessary to reduce some services where usage did not warrant the subsidy.  She encouraged residents to make use of their local services to ensure their viability.

Councillor Paul Crossley seconded the proposal and said that it was crucial to protect rural communities and to support the night-time economy in the city.  He felt that the plans achieved both these aims.  He welcomed the support for shopper services – it was very good news for example that the 636 shopper service was being increased from 2 days to 3 days a week.

Councillor David Dixon highlighted the fantastic news that the net budget for supporting bus services was almost £1M.  He regretted however that it would still be impossible for him to make a social visit to Chew Magna by bus without going via Bristol.

On a motion from Councillor Caroline Roberts, seconded by Councillor Paul Crossley, it was

RESOLVED (unanimously)

(3) To CONFIRM the changes to contract services as set out in the report;

(4) To NOTE the tender prices received, as set out in exempt Appendix A of the report; and

(5) To AGREE the award of contracts as recommended in the report.