Agenda item

12.1

The Executive Director, Neighbourhood Services submitted a report seeking approval to commission transport provision for a period of up to 5 years (until July 2028). The report sets out transport services delivered by the Council and those who benefit from such services. The report also sets out the need for transport services and explain why a further 5 years of service provision is required.

12.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That Strategy and Resources Policy Committee approves the commissioning of transport services from private transport contractor providers for the next 5 years, with an estimated value of £45.4m, as set out in the report now submitted.

12.3

Reasons for Decision

12.3.1

The commissioning strategy will ensure continuous delivery of transport services to meet the needs of the young people. The commissioning strategy will ensure the Council can fulfil its statutory SEND home to school transport responsibility and delivery of the Council’s objective of “Happy young people who have the start they need for the future they want”.

12.3.2

The intention to extend the current DPS (subject to separate Council approval) will continue the control on the cost per seat.

12.3.3

The commissioning strategy will continue to support local transport businesses and local people.

12.3.4

The commissioning strategy will provide the opportunity for the Council to support local transport businesses and help guide then on their carbon reduction journey.

12.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

12.4.1

Option 1 – Do nothing. This is not a realistic option as the control that the current arrangements provide would be lost. This would lead to a financially unsustainable and operationally inefficient service. It would also put the council in a position that no longer aligns to our strategic objectives in terms of the environment and lower emissions. The council would also be in breach of its statutory duties if it could not provide a SEND Home to school transport service

12.4.2

Option 2 – Revise the commissioning strategy so only ULEV and EV vehicles can be used for the provision of transport. This is not an option. The in-house fleet is CAZ compliant but the available vehicles on the private contractor fleet that meet this criterion are currently very limited. This would mean that the Council would not be able to fulfil the demand and thus would not be able to meet its statutory obligations in terms of transport.

12.4.3

Option 3 – Provide in-house. This is not a viable option. Due to the increase in demand the current fleet is near its capacity. In order to cover the work that is currently serviced by the DPS contract the council would have to increase its fleet size considerably and have a number of vehicles that would only have a unique use for this service. In turn this would mean the council would lose the flexibility that the DPS has to offer.

12.4.4

It is worth noting that the introduction of the Clean Air Zone (CAZ) will impact positively on current taxi provision by increasing the number of CAZ compliant vehicles used.

12.1

The Executive Director, Neighbourhood Services submitted a report seeking approval to commission transport provision for a period of up to 5 years (until July 2028). The report sets out transport services delivered by the Council and those who benefit from such services. The report also sets out the need for transport services and explain why a further 5 years of service provision is required.

12.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That Strategy and Resources Policy Committee approves the commissioning of transport services from private transport contractor providers for the next 5 years, with an estimated value of £45.4m, as set out in the report now submitted.

12.3

Reasons for Decision

12.3.1

The commissioning strategy will ensure continuous delivery of transport services to meet the needs of the young people. The commissioning strategy will ensure the Council can fulfil its statutory SEND home to school transport responsibility and delivery of the Council’s objective of “Happy young people who have the start they need for the future they want”.

12.3.2

The intention to extend the current DPS (subject to separate Council approval) will continue the control on the cost per seat.

12.3.3

The commissioning strategy will continue to support local transport businesses and local people.

12.3.4

The commissioning strategy will provide the opportunity for the Council to support local transport businesses and help guide then on their carbon reduction journey.

12.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

12.4.1

Option 1 – Do nothing. This is not a realistic option as the control that the current arrangements provide would be lost. This would lead to a financially unsustainable and operationally inefficient service. It would also put the council in a position that no longer aligns to our strategic objectives in terms of the environment and lower emissions. The council would also be in breach of its statutory duties if it could not provide a SEND Home to school transport service

12.4.2

Option 2 – Revise the commissioning strategy so only ULEV and EV vehicles can be used for the provision of transport. This is not an option. The in-house fleet is CAZ compliant but the available vehicles on the private contractor fleet that meet this criterion are currently very limited. This would mean that the Council would not be able to fulfil the demand and thus would not be able to meet its statutory obligations in terms of transport.

12.4.3

Option 3 – Provide in-house. This is not a viable option. Due to the increase in demand the current fleet is near its capacity. In order to cover the work that is currently serviced by the DPS contract the council would have to increase its fleet size considerably and have a number of vehicles that would only have a unique use for this service. In turn this would mean the council would lose the flexibility that the DPS has to offer.

12.4.4

It is worth noting that the introduction of the Clean Air Zone (CAZ) will impact positively on current taxi provision by increasing the number of CAZ compliant vehicles used.