Nottingham City Council will support school journeys from Clifton to East Leake using the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) grant. Here’s a detailed look at the decision and its implications.
Decision Details
The decision, titled “Support of Nottingham City Transport Service 1 school journeys from Clifton to East Leake using Bus Service Improvement Plan grant,” was made public on August 10, 2023.
The funding amounts to £140,000 and will cover the period from September 2023 to September 2025.
Background and Reasons
Service 1 was not initially included in the original Bus Service Improvement Plan Executive Board report on October 18, 2022.
However, following the confirmation of long-term funding by the Department for Transport (DfT) and increased use of some bus services, new pressures emerged, requiring additional support for school movements between Clifton and East Leake.
The decision aims to provide the required capacity to move school children during the morning and evening peak periods, ensuring that city children are able to travel to school in East Leake.
Other Options Considered
The provision of a stand-alone service contracted by the city was considered but rejected, as it would not be a legitimate use of BSIP network support funding. The funding is designed to support existing local bus services to return to financial sustainability and maintain key social and economic connectivity.
Financial Observations
The decision seeks to award £140,000 in funding to support the operation of school journeys, with a breakdown of £40,833 spent in the 23/24 financial year, £70,000 in 24/25, and £29,167 in 25/26. This amount will be taken from the already received BSIP grant and will be recorded and monitored in line with current legislation.