Issue - meetings

Members were advised that unfortunately, the BURT bus was currently out of action and the service was being provided by using the spare “Dial-a-Ride” bus from Redditch Borough Council.  It was anticipated that the repairs needed to the BUIRT bus would cost in the region of £1,000.  Funding was available for the service for the next 12 months; however a capital budget bid might have to be put forward to replace the bus; Members would then need to consider whether the Council wished to continue to provide this service.

The Head of Community Services provided Members with updated figures on the age profile of BURT users.  However, she confirmed that, as part of her review of the BURT service, she was meeting the Women’s Royal Voluntary Service (WRVS) on 28th October and had requested a comprehensive annual report on BURT and further clarification of the age profile information.  As part of the review process the Head of Community Services would be advising and assisting WRVS with funding streams available to them, with a view to minimising the costs of the service to the Council.

Members also discussed the following areas in more detail:

• The Council does not have a statutory duty to provide the service.
• A breakdown of journey details (this would be provided by WRVS in the annual report).
• The feasibility of the option to link the service with the “Dial-a-Ride” service provided by Redditch Borough Council.
• Other possible avenues of funding available in order to maintain the service.