Decision details

Bus Operator Enhanced Partnership

Decision Maker: Executive

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: Yes

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Purpose:

To give approval to enter into Enhanced Partnerships with local bus service operators in line with the National Bus Strategy for England.

Decision:

RECOMMENDED to the Executive Member for Planning and Transport that:

 

1.     the proposed Enhanced Partnership Plan and Scheme is adopted.

 

2.     authority is delegated to the Executive Director for Place, Planning and

Regeneration, in consultation with the Executive Member for Planning and

Transport, to amend and implement the Enhanced Partnership Scheme to

accord with future Government funding allocations.

Reasons for the decision:

1.     The National Bus Strategy was published in March 2021 and sets out a number of requirements to improve bus services and aid operator recovery from the impacts of the COVID19 pandemic. A key obligation for Local Traffic Authorities is to enter into an Enhanced Partnership (EP) Plan with local bus operators, including an accompany EP Scheme which identifies the supportive actions which future Government funding allocations could deliver.

 

2.     Establishing an EP Plan and Scheme with local bus operators will facilitate improved transport services in line with the Council’s adopted Local Transport Plan 3 (LTP3).

Alternative options considered:

Whilst it is not mandatory for Authorities to enter into an EP with local bus operators,

the Government has stated that receipt of future grant funding for maintaining or

improving bus services is dependent on EP’s being in place. As such, alternative

options have not been considered.

Interests and Nature of Interests Declared:

None

Reason Key: Affects more than 1 ward;

Wards Affected: (All Wards);

Financial Impact: Actions resulting from the Enhanced Partnership will, in-part, be subject to future Government grants allocated for this purpose.

Declarations: None

Subject to Urgent Proceedings: No

Making Representations: To the Director of Place, Planning and Regeneration

Other reasons / organisations consulted

Development of the Enhanced Partnership has been subject to informal and statutory consultation as defined by Government guidance.

Contact: Neil Mathews, Assistant Director: Highways and Transport Email: neil.mathews@bracknell-forest.gov.uk Tel: 01344 351163.

Report author: Neil Mathews

Publication date: 15/03/2022

Date of decision: 15/03/2022

Decided at meeting: 15/03/2022 - Executive

Effective from: 23/03/2022

Accompanying Documents:

 

Contact Information

Democratic services

Email: committee@bracknell-forest.gov.uk