Issue details

The Government’s ‘Bus Back Better – National Bus Strategy for England requires Local Transport Authorities and bus companies to work in partnership to help recovery and improve bus services.

In June 2021, the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport took a key decision to enter into an Enhanced Partnership (EP) with bus operators and, in October 2021, made a further key decision and submitted a Bus Services Improvement Plan (BSIP) to the DfT including a bid for funds.

Further to the submission of the BSIP, the DfT has offered an indicative funding allocation up to £17,401,596 (of which £11,982,180 is capital and £5,419,416 revenue) to commence delivery of the BSIP. This is total funding from 2022/23 to 2024/25. 

Funding confirmation is conditional on the submission and implementation of an Enhanced Partnership which includes firmer and more detailed commitments from the County Council and local bus operators to deliver a package of prioritised and ambitious improvements to bus services.

By Monday 2 May, the County Council must complete and submit to the DfT a summary which sets out how the funding allocation will be used, including prioritised interventions, delivery timelines and costs and how it will be reflected in the EP. Due to the exceptionally tight timescale for the completion of this work, the Assistant Director (Highways, Transport and Planning) will complete the summary in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport.

By the end of June, the County Council must submit a Draft Enhanced Partnership Plan which shows how relevant aspects of the BSIP will be implemented.

The Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport will be asked to approve the Draft Enhanced Partnership Plan for submission to the DfT.