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

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That grants be paid from the Local Transport Plan funding programme for Community Transport for 2006/07 to assist the purchase of three community transport vehicles for the following organisations:

Community First, New Forest 1 vehicle

Winchester Area Community Action 1 vehicle

Bishop's Waltham Minibus Group 1 vehicle

2. Reason

2.1 This decision will maintain and develop services provided by community transport schemes in Hampshire which contribute towards maximising well-being.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 Not supporting schemes with the result that the services which they provide could 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 - None.

6. Reason(s) for the Matter being dealt with if Urgent - None.

Approved by: Date:

Councillor M J Kendal

Executive Member for Environment

1028Decn/KI