Purpose

To seek the
Cabinet Member’s approval to accept the National Bus Fare Cap
(NBFC) from the Department for Transport (DfT) (provided under
Section 31 of the Local Government Act, 2003), previously taken by
the Executive Director – Place in October 2023, in accordance
with the Council’s Constitution.

Decision

That the Cabinet
Member:
 

a) Approves
the updated registration and acceptance of the National Bus Fare
Cap grant from the Department for Transport (DfT) (provided under
Section 31 of the Local Government Act, 2003), as previously
delegated to the Executive Director – Place in October 2023,
in accordance with the Council’s Constitution.

b) Approves
the reasons for the updated registration to Government, namely the
increase in the national bus fare cap rate and the inclusion of two
new participants, both who have recently commenced operation of
eligible bus services under contract to the Council.

 

Reasons for the decision

The grant
funding will ensure that bus passengers throughout Derbyshire can
access the lower rate of travel on tendered services afforded by
inclusion into the NBFC scheme and that are operated by a
non-registered BSOG operator.

Alternative options considered

Option 1: Not to
accept the NBFC grant from the DfT - This is not a viable option,
as to refuse the funding would mean that the Council would not be
able to offer Derbyshire’s bus passengers the lower
£3.00 capped fare on some of its tendered services. During
the cost-of-living crisis this will be viewed negatively by
passengers who access those bus services and may be perceived as
inequitable.
 
Option 2: Under
Section 63 (1) of the Transport Act 1985, the Council has a duty to
consider socially necessary transport services, and to secure the
provision of such public services as the Council considers
appropriate to meet any public transport requirements within the
County. Therefore, it is recommended to include these two new
operators into the NBFC scheme and accept the associated grant from
DfT on their behalf.  This is the recommended
option.