That this Council condemns any move by the County Council to reduce the subsidies to buses in and around the Forest of Dean, as any reduction would have a detrimental effect on many people, and the provision of many facilities and services in the area.

Cllr O’Neill proposed and Cllr Hogan seconded the motion at the agenda.

Cllr O’Neill considered his motion friendly and explained that bus services were vital to young and old alike for purposes such as work, shopping and banking. Any reduction in subsidy would also affect local businesses. The county council’s consultation had been flawed in that it merely gave choices about which cuts to make, rather than whether to make any cuts. Additionally to ask for opinion regarding evenings, weekends and Sundays was meaningless, given that people used Sundays like any other day for shopping. He also mentioned that one suggestion would leave people 50 minutes to complete their business before the only bus returned them home. He informed members that the county council at its next but one meeting would make the final decision.

Cllr Molyneux commented that while sympathetic to the motion, the cuts had been necessary as a result of the previous Labour government’s actions. He repeated that it was easy to just spend money. The cut in bus subsidies was only one of many that the county council needed to make. It had already made its main decision and the motion simply condemned that decision without suggesting alternatives or arguing the case for the district on the grounds of it being rural or less well off. He believed that the council needed to send a stronger message for the county to take note of the district’s special circumstances. He had earlier circulated to all members an amendment to the motion.

Cllr Lawton agreed with the leader, commenting that the motion was combative in tone and that this authority needed to work together with other authorities.

Cllr Quaile stated that the proposed cuts were already in the county council’s budget. This council should be seeking bus services offering the best value for money, citing route 666, which averaged 150 passengers per year at an individual cost of £45.72 for a return trip. The county council review listed each route with options and all town and parish councils had been asked for their views. The door had not yet been closed, so he could not accept the motion at the agenda.

Cllr Robinson proposed and Cllr Molyneux seconded the following amendment.

That this council recognises the need to improve value for money from the subsidy provided for bus travel, but any move to reduce the buses in and around the Forest of Dean District will have a detrimental effect on many people and the provision of many facilities and services.  We urge Gloucestershire County Council to take this into consideration when introducing changes following the consultation that closed 27 June 2011.

Cllr Robinson explained that the reason for proposing an amendment was in the hope of sending a motion, which would make a difference. While the decision to reduce subsidies had already been made, there would still be subsidies to the value of £3 million. He had been active in his division (area) in seeking opinion and he  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16

That this Council condemns any move by the County Council to reduce the subsidies to buses in and around the Forest of Dean, as any reduction would have a detrimental effect on many people, and the provision of many facilities and services in the area.

To be considered at the meeting to be held on 20 July 2011.