The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment) presenting the Enhanced Partnership Plan (EPP) in line with the requirements of the Department for Transport (DfT) National Bus Strategy for England, ‘Bus Back Better.’

Resolved:

That the Enhanced Partnership Plan (EPP), to start on 1 April 2023, as set out in Appendix 1 to the submitted report, be approved.

Reason for decision:

To adopt the Enhanced Partnership Plan as required by Government.  Having an EPP in place will be a necessary pre-requisite to accessing future discretionary funding released through the National Bus Strategy. This funding could range from transitioning to zero emissions vehicles, to supporting additional services.

Other options:

This Authority could choose not to have an EPP, however this will affect future funding from DfT on any minor and major transport highway schemes, that Southend bids for.  This will also affect any funding that DfT allocate to bus operators in the City and any reduction in funding to the operators will affect bus services in Southend.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: Place Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Wakefield