Purpose

To seek approval to extend the Ukrainian bus pass scheme.

Decision

That the Cabinet Member for Communities and Safety approved the continuation of the Homes for Ukraine concessionary bus pass scheme, with the revised criteria of 12 months support. The Cabinet Member also approved the allocation of £12,000 per annum, up to a maximum of £60,000, to be met from the Homes for Ukraine tariff funding.

Reasons for the decision

Support will be focused on the first 12 months, which is a critical time to enable effective resettlement.   

Alternative options considered

Option One – To withdraw the offer of free bus travel to Ukrainian guests. This could impact negatively on vulnerable guests, in their journey to resettle, contribute and thrive within their new communities. There would be a risk of rural isolation, and many guests would find it more difficult to access important local services and employment. It could also place additional pressure on hosts to facilitate travel.

The scheme has been well received in Derbyshire and there has already been negative feedback about the pause in the scheme. Should the offer be withdrawn, it is possible that there may be adverse feedback, which could have reputational impact.

Option Two – To continue the scheme using the current criteria. The cost of this would be £0.216m per annum. This option would create alignment with the Nottinghamshire offer but may be perceived as inequitable in relation to the offer to the general population.