Meeting documents

(a)          Public Speaking

(b)          Petitions

To consider a petition report in relation to ‘Save our Bus Services, and Save the number 18 and 3 buses from cuts‘.

Public Speaking

There was one public question received at the meeting in accordance with Standing Order 21(1) from Cllr Andrew Kerby, North Dorset District Council, to the Cabinet Member for Safeguarding in relation to the Transfer of Youth Services to the Community in 2016. The question and answer are attached to these minutes as an annexure.

There was one public statement received at the meeting in accordance with Standing Order 21(2) from Ms Sally Maslin and Mr Andreas Scheffler, as residents of Weymouth in relation to the Recovery Hub at 22 Abbotsbury Rd, Weymouth.  A petition was submitted as part of the statement submission.  The Statement and petition are attached to these minutes as an annexure.

Noted

Petitions

The Council considered a report by the Dorset Travel Service Manager regarding a petition ‘Save our Bus Services and Save the No 18 and No 3 buses from cuts’ in accordance with the County Council’s Petition Scheme.

Cllr Andy Canning addressed the meeting as the lead petitioner and highlighted the feedback that he had received in completing the petition which reflected that the public were fed up with austerity and ongoing cuts. He drew attention to the Government’s approach to austerity and the need to make more funding available to bring austerity to an end.  The impact of cuts to subsidised bus services was described, especially for those facing hardship, and that there was a huge emotional and psychological impact on people. He urged the Council to take a new approach and save the services that were being cut.

Cllr Susan Jefferies, as a local member, also outlined bus service provision in Corfe Mullen, including a service which had been saved, but only due to extensive talks between the bus company and the Borough of Poole Council.

As the Cabinet Member for Natural and Built Environment, Cllr Daryl Turner, summarised the current position in relation to the provision of subsidised bus services and school transport services, and explained the decision making processes and consultations undertaken throughout 2015-2017, which linked with the savings required to meet the financial pressures across the Council.  It was noted that new contracts for shared services for subsidised services and schools had been awarded, and encouraged the use of community transport schemes to further develop services.

Cllr Janet Dover raised an issue as a local member in relation to the forthcoming withdrawal of the well-used No. 88 service from the Wimborne area which provided a valuable link for residents in outlying areas of Colehill and Stapehill to access Wimborne Community Hospital.  She strongly urged all to be done to retain the service.

Cllr Kayes, as the Liberal Democrat Group Leader, expressed concern regarding the Council’s arrangements for community transport schemes as she was aware of a potential technical issue in relation to EU procurement legislation, and a Judicial Review challenge by the Bus and Coaches Association regarding its use of section 19 permits and use of minibuses.  She felt that some school contracts and proposed community transport schemes could be impossible to set up because of the issue. Cllr Kayes therefore encouraged the suspension of any further cuts pending consideration of the issues.  The Corporate Director for Environment and Economy clarified that the Council was entitled to be a service operator under section 19 and he was unaware of any Judicial Review challenge.  It was also mentioned that the consultants referred to by Cllr Kayes were the Council’s own consultants used to develop transport schemes and contracts.  It was noted that the issue would be discussed outside of the meeting.

The Chairman indicated that the matter had been through committee processes over the past two years and there were many instances of officers working with communities and operators to deliver schemes.  It was noted that a written response would be sent to the petition organisers setting out the views of the Council, and to provide a fuller explanation of provision available.

Resolved

That the Council write to the petition organisers with the outcome of the meeting and to provide a fuller explanation of provision available

Reason for Decision

In order to comply with the County Council’s published scheme for responding to petitions and so as to enable local people to connect with local elected decision makers.