Decision details

A requirement of the Enhanced Partnership Plan and Scheme is to consult with all local bus operators so that they can offer views on the Enhanced Partnership Plan and Scheme before it is finalised.

A notice that a Plan and Scheme have been prepared is to be sent, in writing, to all operators of qualifying local bus services. The notice contains full details of the Plan and Scheme and explains how they will deliver the Bus Service Improvement Plan. It explains that operators have a right to object to the Plan and Scheme and sets out what level of objections is required for the Plan and Scheme not to proceed to consultation.

There is a minimum period of 28 days after the notification is sent within which operator objections may be made. Should operators object then, following the expiration of the objection period, as stated in the notice, the authority will need to assess the objections. If the objections are found to be admissible, it may be necessary to re-run the 28-day objection period.

Once the objection period has ended, and subject to there being no material objections to the Plan and Scheme, then the Enhanced Partnership Plan and Scheme can be formally consulted on more widely with stakeholders.

The Leader of the County Council and the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport approved:

(i)  That notice be given to operators of qualifying local bus services that a draft Enhanced Partnership Plan and Scheme have been prepared giving a period of not less than 28 days within which objections may be made.

(ii)  That, subject to no objections being received, a consultation be undertaken with all statutory consultees as required by legislation.

(iii)  That the Executive Director of Growth, Environment, Transport and Community Services be authorised to approve the Enhanced Partnership Plan and Scheme, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport by the end of March 2022, in line with the dates set by the Department for Transport.

This decision should be implemented immediately for the purposes of Standing Order C29 as any delay could adversely affect the execution of the county council's responsibilities. The reason for this is set out in the report.