Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Place Services.

(a)           That the strategic direction for transforming public and community transport, as set out in the report of 29 January 2026, be endorsed

(b)           That the development of a Full Business Case exploring the range of options for delivering a modern, integrated and community‑focused transport system, including financial, procurement, and consultation plans to enable implementation from April 2027, be approved.

Reason for the decision

To secure Cabinet endorsement for the strategic direction and authorise preparation of a Full Business Case for improving public and community transport, ensuring alignment with the council’s community-focused agenda, and enabling timely planning for investment, procurement, and consultation ahead of implementation in 2027.

The Cabinet Member for Place Services presented a report outlining the strategic direction for transforming public and community transport in Dorset. The report identified current challenges and set out the intention to develop a Full Business Case to deliver a more inclusive, reliable and community-focused transport system from 2027.

Non-executive members expressed support for the proposals and welcomed the future development of the detailed business case. Questions were raised regarding the approach to community engagement, particularly ensuring that local action groups could contribute, and about providing adequate support for smaller parishes where the need for community transport was significant.

In response, the Cabinet Member for Place Services welcomed members’ comments and confirmed that consultation would take place following completion of the Full Business Case. This would involve both public and stakeholder engagement.

It was proposed by Cllr J Andrews and seconded by Cllr S Clifford

Decision

(a)           That the strategic direction for transforming public and community transport, as set out in the report of 29 January 2026, be endorsed

(b)           That the development of a Full Business Case exploring the range of options for delivering a modern, integrated and community‑focused transport system, including financial, procurement, and consultation plans to enable implementation from April 2027, be approved.

Reason for the decision

To secure Cabinet endorsement for the strategic direction and authorise preparation of a Full Business Case for improving public and community transport, ensuring alignment with the council’s community-focused agenda, and enabling timely planning for investment, procurement, and consultation ahead of implementation in 2027.