Agenda item

To receive a report on the proposed decision to combine the current  two PSV supplier lists into one list.

1.            Head of Public Transport, Mr Lightowler, introduced a report that asked the Cabinet Committee to consider and endorsement or make recommendations on a proposed decision to combine the current two approved lists for the procurement of the Council’s Public Service Vehicle contracts (which have a 10 year value of £123M) into one list.

2.            Mr Lightowler said the procurement of supported services and mainstream home to school transport was currently delivered through two distinct approved supplier lists.  The approved list for supported bus services included 31 operators and the mainstream home to school transport list includes 125 operators.  Tenders, based on service type, were directed at the most appropriate list.  In addition to combining the lists it was proposed to revise the present “lotting” strategy which would provide an opportunity for KCC to package home to school and local bus work in ways that would reduce costs and make lots more attractive to suppliers.  In respect of any potential savings that could be achieved, Mr Lightowler was not able to quantify this.

3.            In response to concerns raised and questions by Members, Mr Lightowler, Mr Balfour  and Mr Wilkin responded as follows:

(a)        Mr Balfour said this decision did not preclude the current Select Committee on Bus Transport and Public Subsidy considering and/or making recommendations regarding the issues raised in the report. The Select Committee report and its recommendations would be submitted, for consideration and decision, to a future County Council meeting.

Post meeting note

The Terms of reference for the Bus Transport and Public Subsidy Select Committee are:

1.    To examine the current delivery model of local bus transport in Kent.

2.    To assess the extent to which KCC can prioritise support of the   current delivery model of local bus transport in Kent, while having due regard to the resource implications and the budget setting processes.

3.    To explore whether alternative models of local bus transport delivery are available and, if so, to consider their viability and effectiveness.

4.    To consider the implications of the recent Bus Services Bill for  bus transport in Kent.

5.    For the Bus Transport Select Committee to make recommendations after having gathered evidence and information throughout the review.

(b)        Comments were made on the benefits of putting the two categories together.

(c)         Mr Wilkin explained that this was a purchasing mechanism and would not determine what was bought or from whom. Having one list would make the contracting system easier and would not tie the County Council into any contracts. This would be no impact of staffing. 

(d)        Mr Balfour said that all the operators on the list would be able to choose what to tender for.  This approach would open up more competition/opportunity.

4.            The Chairman invited Members to vote on the recommendation in the report. The votes cast were as follows: 8 for, 0 against and 5 abstained.  The recommendations were carried.

5.            RESOLVED that:

(a)  the comments and responses to Members questions and the report be noted; and

(b)  the proposed decision to be taken by the Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport to combine the current two Public Service Vehicle supplier list into one list as set out in Appendix A to the report be endorsed.