Agenda item

To consider and comment on the draft Business Plan 2017-18 sections for Place and Transport, including the draft financial and saving proposals contained within.

The Commission received a report and supplementary information outlining the draft Business Plan 2017/18 sections for Place, Transport and Homes, including the draft financial and saving proposals contained within.  During the ensuing discussions the following points were made:

 

Our Transport

1. Charge for advisory disabled bays and Keep Clear markings

a.      Members questioned if the approach was ‘one size fits all’ and if so what would happen with those in receipt of benefits? (ACTION: Question for response)

 

2. Remove funding for local traffic schemes currently devolved to Neighbourhood Partnerships

a.      The current allocation of £410k currently held in the capital corporate budget and devolved to Neighbourhood Partnerships for local traffic schemes could be withdrawn and reallocated to the highway budget centrally as part of the broader capital programme.  The saving did not necessarily equate to less spend on traffic schemes.  Future schemes would then be identified via objective criteria.  It was confirmed that only future years funding would be affected and Section 106 and CIL resources would be unaffected. 

 

b.      Councillors highlighted that importance of ensuring that local people continued to have their say as the proposals would disempower the local residents from influence and the link with Neighbourhoods would be lost. 

 

c.       Officers confirmed that decisions around ideas and options would remain with the use of the Traffic Choices website and engagement would still be expected to continue at a local level.

 

3. Remove Companion Concessionary Bus Passes and withdraw reimbursements to Community Transport operators for concessionary travel

a.      Members were concerned about the proposed discontinued provision for concessionary bus passes and knock on effect that would have for Community Transport, which was vital for connecting communities.

 

4. Reduction of subsidies for bus routes with low numbers of passengers

a.      Concern was raised regarding a reduction of spending by half and the knock on effects on many other sectors.  Members asked for clarification of how the level of reduction was chosen and what other options may be.  Also, whether officers would return following the consultation and before making any final decision.  (ACTION: Question for response)

 

b.      Officers confirmed that the process would be similar to the recent consultation on community bus services and other factors such as the financial market and current contracts would also affect the final decision.

 

5. Stop funding the Freight Consolidation Centre which is not profitable

a.      Councillors requested further information about past efforts to make the venture commercially successful, how the product had been marketed to the private sector and questioned the negotiation of an improved contract with an operator. (ACTION: Question for response)

 

b.      It was suggested that introducing planning conditions around last mile deliveries, permitting electric vehicles use of bus lanes or the implementation of a clean air zone would improve options for the FCC.

 

6. Reorganise how school crossings are patrolled

a.      Councillors highlighted the importance of working with schools regarding the proposals and any alternative methods for providing patrols for school crossings outside 80 school sites around Bristol. 

 

b.      Officers highlighted that not all schools had the provision and suggested one alternative method could involve volunteers.  The development of the culture of safety and slow speeds within the City and specifically around schools may mean a crossing person was no longer a requirement.

 

c.       Officers were asked if risk assessments had been carried out, and if the cost comparison of a zebra crossing versus a crossing person could simply move the cost to a different budget. (ACTION: Question for response)

 

7. General considerations

a.      Officers reported that the management of the contraction of staff was organisation wide and not specific to a single directorate budget.  The consideration for directorates however was for the delivery of the same service following the implementation of efficiencies.

 

b.      It was highlighted that savings listed did not necessarily add up to the totals outlined.  Officers confirmed that there remained other savings outside of those listed within the document such as the reconsideration and consolidation of lease arrangements.  Councillors therefore requested clarification of what those figures were. (ACTION: Question for response)

 

8. Gradually reduce funding to Destination Bristol

a.      Members highlighted the Scrutiny Culture Inquiry Day which took place last year at which it was concluded that the net spend on the cultural offer was already low in Bristol compared to other authorities and match funding from the Arts Council would be at risk if there was a change in policy. 

 

b.      It was suggested that any cut to funding to Destination Bristol needed consideration in terms of income from tourism. Officers confirmed that the income based membership model of which BCC were a member needed consideration with clarification of their Business Plan and Service Level Agreement.  The effect on surrounding authorities also needed consideration.

 

9. Review Museum Opening Hours

a.      Members requested further analysis of proposals for museums as closures or changes in opening hours needed to be considered alongside loss of revenue.  (ACTION: Question for response)

 

b.      Councillors highlighted that there were collections and museum pieces that were not currently displayed but could be exhibited elsewhere with a charge made which would offset some of the cost of running the museums.  Partnerships with universities could also be explored.

 

c.       Although the first option would be to increase donations without barrier to entry, another option would be the commercialisation of museums and collections.  There was also scope for digitalising some of the information and also investment to take advantage of the footfall outside the door of the Bristol Museum & Gallery.

 

10. Additional income from The Bottleyard Studios

a.      Recent investment had improved the fabric of the building in order to generate a better offer and income.

 

11. The draft Capital Programme 2017-2022

The following schemes were highlighted:

 

T104 – Affordable Housing Enabling Budget (Get Bristol Building)

Changes had been proposed for the capital programme and further information would be forthcoming. (ACTION: Further information to be provided when available.)

 

T107 – Residents Parking Schemes

The phrase ‘parking infrastructure’ suggests car parks therefore the heading may need to be reviewed.

 

T117 – Bristol Temple Meads East Regeneration

It was questioned whether figures outlined were relevant to the original Arena timeline or the revised new timeline.  Officers confirmed that T117 referred to the whole site rather than just the Arena and work would continue past the completion of the Arena.

 

T120 – Investment in Energy Company

Members asked whether the Energy Company continued to be a sound investment, or alternatively, could changes result in BCC paying into the Company as a customer.  Officers confirmed that although slightly behind in terms of customer numbers, the start-up company had developed well.  The business plans for the Companies would be considered by Shareholders and discussions would take place regarding the investment and how the Companies worked together.  The outcome of those discussions would be fed back to OSM via Councillor Gollop.

 

T121 – Planning and Sustainable Development

With reference to Legible City Funding, officers were asked if there were plans to include parks within wayfinding.  (ACTION: Question for response)

 

Officers confirmed that wayfinding was being upgraded including its relationship with advertising.  Work would continue to consider i-points through Metrobus and across different media.

 

T203 – Rail Stations Improvement Programme

Appropriate access continued to be pursued however resource had not been forthcoming.  There was some potential within Devolution and Tiers 2 and 3 needed reconsideration in line with the preferences of the current administration.

 

T301 – M32 Park and Ride

A review of the need for a Park and Ride in the North of the City and the appropriate land for its site was highlighted.  Officers confirmed that the Joint Transport Study identified areas within the greater Bristol area and a large piece of work needed to take place.

 

Officers confirmed that written responses would be provided to the questions that had not been answered or where more information could be provided by officers.  (ACTION: Further information/ responses to be provided).  Further consideration of the draft Business Plan 2017/18 would take place at the Place Scrutiny Commission meeting in January 2017.