Issue - meetings

A report seeking Cabinet authorisation to undertake necessary actions arising from the National Bus Strategy for England, including publication of the Warwickshire Bus Service Improvement Plan.

Cabinet Portfolio Holder – Councillor Wallace Redford

In the absence of Councillor Wallace Redford, Councillor Peter Butlin (Deputy Leader, Finance and Property) presented this report which sought to establish the Warwickshire Bus Service Improvement Plan to introduce measures to improve bus patronage in accordance with the government’s strategic plans.  Establishment of the plan would ensure eligibility to bid for a part of the government’s £3bn funding stream.

Members welcomed the focus on passenger feedback and the engagement that had taken place with both local councillors and the District and Borough Councils.  The work of the Cross Party Working Group was complimented for their contribution to identify the key bus corridors that would be the subject of enhancements and for supporting marketing activities aimed at promoting the public engagement exercise which sought feedback from the community and stakeholders on bus services.

Resolved:

That Cabinet:

1.        Authorises the Strategic Director for Communities, acting in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning, to prepare the Warwickshire Bus Service Improvement Plan (based on the details in this report) and publish and submit it to the Department for Transport as the basis of a bid for the allocation of funding; and

2.        Authorise the Strategic Director for Communities, acting in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning, to prepare and consult on the Enhanced Partnership Plan and Schemes (based on the content of the Warwickshire Bus Service Improvement Plan) in accordance with section 138F of the Transport Act 2000 with the intention of asking Cabinet to approve them in Spring 2022.