Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: February 4, 2025

Purpose: The Cabinet will be asked to consider the recommendations of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee following the Committee’s review of rural bus service provision and the impacts that a reduction in service has on rural communities.  Other recommendations emanating from the review have been directed to appropriate external bodies/agencies for consideration. 

Content: Resolved:   That the following be approved: 1.       Works with the local transport authority (SCC), bus operators, the Chamber of Commerce and user groups, the Cabinet initiates a cross-party steering group to work with relevant Cabinet members to review the short, medium and long-term issues affecting rural public transport in West Suffolk.    Suggested areas that the group could consider are set out at section 3, paragraph 3.3 of the Cabinet referral report (CAB/WS/25/003), and is intended to complement, and not duplicate, the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) and the work of the Suffolk Enhanced Partnership.   2.       The relevant Cabinet members work with bus operators, users and the County Council to consider the future of West Suffolk Council’s own bus stations.  Bus operators and the local transport authority to be asked to contribute financially to any changes identified as being necessary.   3.       The Cabinet Member for Growth lobbies local MPs and government on the level of, and long-term certainty for, rural transport funding.   4.       The Cabinet Member for Families and Communities uses the Town and Parish Forum to actively encourage and actively support local community groups and/or partnerships of town and parish councils, in preparing bids for grant funding, including BSIP.   5.       The Cabinet Member for Growth seeks an invitation from Suffolk County Council, as local transport authority, to attend future meetings of the Suffolk Enhanced Partnership which considers the Bus Service Improvement Plan for the county.?