Decision details

That the Executive:

a)    Made the Enhanced Partnership Plan and Enhanced Partnership Scheme, which form Appendices A and B of the report, as proposed in accordance with Section 138G of the Transport Act 2000. Table 2 within Appendix B of the report is subject to sufficient resources being available.

b)    Agreed that a policy for subsidising bus services should be developed in consultation with the Executive Member for Highways, Travel and Assets and, following consultation in accordance with the Transport Act 1985, recommendations should be brought back to the Executive for approval.

c)    Noted the recent announcement of additional Government funding (Local Transport Fund as referenced in paragraph 5.7 of the report) to support bus services and the requirement to work with bus operators to co-design a financially sustainable and passenger-focused public transport network, that works for changing travel patterns post-pandemic.  The allocation for North Northamptonshire is still to be confirmed and this funding will be allocated, in consultation with the Executive member for Highways, Travel and Assets and the Executive Director for Place and Economy.

d)    Agreed to allocate £50,000 from existing budgets for 2022/23 to work with operators on a marketing strategy for bus services.

Reason for Recommendation: An Enhanced Partnership would form a useful forum to tackle the challenges which the bus industry will face over the coming years and provide the basis to spend any funding secured from Government through the Bus Service Improvement Plan. Meeting the Council’s legal duties to consult on and publish a policy on subsidised bus services and to provide North Northamptonshire communities with the best possible level of bus service with post-pandemic travel patterns.

Alternative Options Considered:

·           Whilst the Council has the flexibility to choose not to make the Enhanced Partnership Plan and Scheme at this stage, this is not recommended as it would not provide as sound a basis for co-design of a financially sustainable and passenger-focused bus network with local bus operators.