Decision Maker: Executive Portfolio Holder with delegated authority for Finance and Vale Halls
Decision status: Recommendations approved
Is Key decision?: No
Is subject to call in?: Yes
The following changes to the Scheme have been made:
1. Maintain the 9am start for the scheme Mondays to Fridays up to 31 March 2008.
2. Any change in the reimbursement rate will not be imposed retrospectively.
(Note - the effects of the decision will not be implemented until after the call-in period. However, as the decisions are subject to statutory notice periods, which can be extended in the event of call-in, notices were issued on 14 September to safeguard the Council's interests and avoid any delay in securing the significant cost reductions required to meet the Council's budget).
The Executive resolved changes to the Council's Free Bus Pass Scheme at its 13 July meeting, based on the advice of officers. Following further negotiations with the bus companies, legal advice and impact review by officers, further changes to the scheme were advised.
Due to the statutory notice periods and the significant costs being incurred by the Council, a decision was required in advance of the next formal meeting of the Executive.
The Scheme could have been amended purely in accordance with the Executive resolution, without the additional changes referred to above.
Other more substantial changes could have been made.
These alternatives were ruled out as they would have incurred substantial unbudgeted cost by the Council and/or would have had greater adverse impacts on bus pass holders.
List of Consultees
Strategic Director (Chief Finance Officer)
Senior Revenues and Benefits Client Officer
Principal Legal Officer & Legal Assistant
Head of Communications
None.
Publication date: 14/09/2007
Date of decision: 14/09/2007
Effective from: 22/09/2007