Contact: Kevin Ings, ext 6986 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That the Community Transport Vehicles programme, as set out below, at an estimated sum of £365,000, be approved from the 2005/06 Local Transport Plan funding programme, to assist the purchase of 11 community transport vehicles which will be deployed across the county.

Basingstoke Community Transport 1 vehicle

Colden Common Community Bus 1 vehicle

Community First, New Forest 1 vehicle

Eastleigh Voluntary Transport Scheme 1 vehicle

Gosport Voluntary Action 2 vehicles

Havant Council of Community Service 1 vehicle

Ringwood and District Community Association 1 vehicle

Rushmoor Voluntary Services 2 vehicles

Test Valley Community Services 1 vehicle.

2. Reason

2.1 This decision supports Aims 1 and 5 (Maximising Life Opportunities and Improving Services) of the Corporate Strategy by maintaining and developing services provided by community transport schemes in Hampshire.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 Not supporting schemes with the result that the services which they provide would eventually be reduced.

3.2 There are no feasible alternative arrangements. Without investment from the statutory agencies in Hampshire, community transport schemes will in time be unable to maintain their current levels of activities at an affordable price and this will have a detrimental effect on the overall transport network in Hampshire. Central purchasing of these vehicles has been adopted in the past. However, consultation with community transport groups has indicated a preference for purchasing vehicles with the aid of grants so that vehicles can be tailored to the specific needs of their scheme. There is also evidence of voluntary groups being able to secure better value for money arrangements because of their status.

4. Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Decision Maker or Other Executive Member Consulted - None.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - Not applicable.

6. Reason(s) for the Matter being dealt with if Urgent - Not applicable.

Approved by: Date:

Councillor T G Knight

547Decn/KI