Contact: Keith Willcox, ext 6997 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decisions are sought:

(i) That, in order to manage the 2006/07 cost pressures on the bus subsidy budget, approval be given to the following measures for which provisional, forecast efficiencies are set out in the report:

Housekeeping/General Monitoring Measures

New Forest Review

Hart Review

Commercial Deregistration pressures being absorbed

Utilising New Criteria Approach for Housekeeping/General Monitoring Measures in 2007/08.

(ii) That the outcome of area reviews be explored with local Members at the earliest opportunity prior to options for replacement tenders being determined.

(iii) That work be progressed to explore the development of new criteria for the assessment and monitoring of future bus subsidy support.

2. Reason

2.1 This decision supports Aim 1 (Maximising Life Opportunities) of the Corporate Strategy by prioritising support for public transport services for people to access employment, education, shopping and medical facilities

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 A strategic policy of reducing Sunday and evening services was considered as part of the action plan to contain cost pressures, but was felt to be premature in advance of the agreed outcome of area reviews.

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

896ADecn/KAW