Purpose

Cambridge Dial-a-Ride (CDAR)
currently receive £5,000 per annum for
2023-2026 from the Council’s Service Support Grant
to provide a Dial-a-Ride service to
elderly and disabled residents of South Cambs in parishes to include, but not limited, to
Histon, Impington, Cottenham, Girton, and Bar Hill (see

Agenda item 6 from Grants
Advisory Committee on Friday, 25 November 2022).
 
The
Council is aware that Cambridge Dial-a-Ride has experienced some
significant financial and delivery issues of late and is addressing
these with partners and funders, including the CPCA who have
provided additional resource.  Cambridge
Dial-a-Ride have written to the Council to explain that they have a
funding shortfall for the South Cambs
element of their work, and that additional funding is required for
2025-26 as they look to address their operating model and
sustainability.
 
The
Lead Cabinet Member for Resources has agreed to offer Cambridge
Dial-a-Ride an additional sum of £5,000 to provide continuity
of service during the 2025-26 financial year.  This additional grant will have conditions
attached (including specified locations for the focus of their
operations; continued commitment to address viability with the CPCA
through adaptations to their operating model) and will require
monitoring reports to be provided at 6 and 12
month points in the financial year concerned.

Content

Funding
is granted provided the following measures are
undertaken:

·      
The Council is provided with regular update reports
which relate to the Cambridge Dial-a-Ride viability plan

·      
Services are prioritised in the villages where there
is the highest take up-Girton, Histon, Impington, Milton and
Sawston. 

·      
Services are promoted more widely in the above
villages to increase membership.

Reasons for the decision

The
Council is committed to creating and supporting local community
groups and organisations to deliver services for South
Cambridgeshire residents.

Alternative options considered

Deferring or rejecting a decision would result in a likely
disruption to services to South Cambridgeshire residents