Issue - items at meetings - Concessionary Bus Fares

Report of the Director of Finance & Resources and the Director of Environment (copy attached).

(1)      To formally notify East Sussex County Council (and other members of the scheme) of Brighton and Hove City Council’s withdrawal from the East Sussex Concessionary Fares Scheme effective from 31 March 2009.

69.1       The Cabinet Member considered a joint report of the Director of Finance & Resources and the Director of Environment concerning the Council’s withdrawal from the county-wide Concessionary Fares Scheme (for copy see minute book).

69.2       The Cabinet Member stated that since the Government had changed Concessionary Bus Fare Reimbursement from a local to a national scheme it made little or no sense to remain as part of a local consortium. By setting up arrangements to operate its own scheme the council would have a more direct relationship with the Bus Companies and ensure they were reimbursed at a fair rate. The proposal would make the system fairer and more efficient and would continue to provide the same free travel concessions for older people.

69.3       Councillor Mitchell supported the proposal, but sought confirmation that it would not have the effect of allowing the council to withdraw funds from any of the current council subsidised routes.

69.4       The Director of Environment confirmed that the proposal would not have this effect, but added that the future of specific subsidised routes would be considered as and when they came up for renewal.

69.5       RESOLVED – That having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet Member accepted the following recommendation:

(1)      That East Sussex County Council (and other members of the scheme) be formally notified of Brighton and Hove City Council’s withdrawal from the East Sussex Concessionary Fares Scheme effective from 31 March 2009.