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 £80,000, be approved from the 2005/06 Local Transport Plan funding programme, to assist the purchase of two community transport vehicles which will be deployed across the county.

Hart Voluntary Action 1 vehicle

Winchester Area Community Action 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 these two schemes will lose the opportunity to extend the provision of their operation, therefore potential journey opportunities will be lost.

3.2 There are no feasible alternative arrangements. Without investment from the statutory agencies in Hampshire these schemes will be unable to expand their operations at an affordable price to users 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

864Decn/KI