Purpose

To seek Cabinet Member approval to increase expenditure for the provision of concessionary bus passes to Ukrainian guests.

Decision

The Cabinet Member for Health and Communities approved the allocation of £0.179m from the Homes For Ukraine core grant to meet the additional expenditure required to extend the provision of concessionary bus passes for Ukrainian guests.

Reasons for the decision

Without the additional expenditure being approved, the bus passes would have to be withdrawn prior to the previously agreed expiration date of 31 March 2025.  Ukrainian guests will no longer benefit from free bus travel which would make accessing services, employment and education very difficult for the large numbers in the rural areas of the county. There may be an impact on health and wellbeing and feelings such as isolation could increase placing pressure on hosts to offer transport to guests. In addition to this, to withdraw a previously agreed benefit from Ukrainian guests could lead to reputational damage for the council.

Alternative options considered

Do nothing.  Without the additional expenditure being approved, the bus passes would have to be withdrawn prior to the previously agreed expiration date of 31 March 2025.  Ukrainian guests will no longer benefit from free bus travel which would make accessing services, employment and education very difficult for the large numbers in the rural areas of the county. There may be an impact on health and wellbeing and feelings such as isolation could increase placing pressure on hosts to offer transport to guests.