Issue - meetings

(Community Safety & Transport Portfolio Holder) To consider the attached report (C-068-2009/10).

(1)        That, as outlined in paragraph 4 of the report, the response made to the Department for Transport Consultation Paper by the Director of Finance & ICT be noted; and

(2)        That, in view of the likely £130,000 reduction in the Council’s Special Grant for 2010/11, the Director of Finance & ICT be authorised to either:

(a)        negotiate a reduction in the Council’s contribution to the scheme coordinated by Essex County Council; or

(b)        allocate the reduced funding from the District Development Fund.

The Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Transport presented a report on the Grant Funding consultation for the Concessionary Fares Scheme.

The Portfolio Holder reported that the Department for Transport had issued a Consultation Paper which proposed to reduce the special grant for concessionary fares to the Council in 2010/11 from £250,000 to £120,000. The deadline for responses had been 5.30pm on 30 December 2009; due to the postponement of the Cabinet meeting on its original scheduled date of 21 December, the Director of Finance & ICT had responded on behalf of the Council, as set out in paragraph 4 of the report.

The Portfolio Holder added that an agreement had been entered into with Essex County Council and the other Essex District Councils for the funding of concessionary travel in the County. This agreement had been based upon the original allocation of Special Grant; if this Council was to lose £130,000 of Special Grant and adhere to the existing agreement then funding would have to be allocated from the District Development Fund. The Director of Finance & ICT was seeking authorisation from the Cabinet to attempt to negotiate a reduction in the Council’s contribution to the County scheme.   

Decision:

(1)        That, as outlined in paragraph 4 of the report, the response made to the Department for Transport Consultation Paper by the Director of Finance & ICT be noted; and

(2)        That, in view of the likely £130,000 reduction in the Council’s Special Grant for 2010/11, the Director of Finance & ICT be authorised to either:

(a)        negotiate a reduction in the Council’s contribution to the scheme coordinated by Essex County Council; or

(b)        allocate the reduced funding from the District Development Fund.

Reasons for Decision:

To provide guidance to Officers on the approach Cabinet wanted to take with Essex County Council.

Other Options Considered and Rejected:

To wait for the outcome of the consultation before making a decision, although early consideration of this issue would assist Officers in their dealings with Essex County Council.