Agenda and minutes

There were no appeals.

There was no exempt information.

There were no late items.

To disclose or draw attention to any disclosable pecuniary interests for the purposes of Section 31  of the Localism Act 2011 and paragraphs 13-16 of the Members’ Code of Conduct.

There were no declarations.

To receive any apologies for absence and notification of substitutes.

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the minutes of the meeting held on 23 September 2020.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 23 September 2020 be confirmed as a correct record.

Responses to the following were sought:

Minute 28 – Matters arising from the Minutes

Member concern regarding school children and students trying to get to classes on time was noted and would be raised with WYCA.

Minute 30 – Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme

It is understood that improvements to Morley Train Station will be undertaken as part of the Trans-Pennine Upgrade.  This to be confirmed and Members be updated.

To consider the report of the Head of Democratic Services, Director of City Development and West Yorkshire Combined Authority, which provides an overview of the progress made in response to the recommendations of the Scrutiny Board in its inquiry report ‘Advancing Bus Service Provision’, published 17 May 2017.

The report of the Director of City Development and West Yorkshire Combined Authority set out the progress in responded to the recommendations arising from the Scrutiny Inquiry into Advancing Bus Provision.

The following were in attendance for this item:

-  Cllr L Mulherin, Executive Member

-  Cllr Kim Groves, Chair, WYCA Transport Committee

-  Gary Bartlett, Chief Officer, Highways and Transportation

-  Dave Pearson,  Director, Transport and Properties Services - WYCA

-  Andrew McGuiness, Regional Manager, North of England, CPT UK

Chair ABOWY

-  Dwayne Wells, Head of Commercial for Arriva

-  Paul Matthews,  MD of First WY

-  Alex Hornby, CEO TransDev

Dave Pearson gave the Board a presentation.  The following was highlighted:

·  The impact of Covid on bus use – fewer journeys and restricted capacity due to social distancing.  Impact on finances.

·  Possible scenarios with or without emergency funding.

·  Longer term implications – changing travel habits; environmental implications and vehicle investment.

·  Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme – works ongoing in the City Centre and the Leeds/Bradford corridor.

·  Development of a colour coded route system.

·  Links to the airport.

·  Fare deals for younger people and flexible ticketing for part time workers.

·  In response to questions, the following was discussed:

o  There had been a similar impact on passenger use on both commercial and supported routes.  Bus usage had risen more than rail usage during the summer period.

o  There would be a report to Executive Board in November which would provide an update on schemes in the Leeds Public Transport Improvement Programme.

Councillor Groves addressed the Board with regards to the role of WYCA on bus provision.  Issues highlighted included the priorities to protect existing networks; work with the Government to pursue options for the delivery of bus services and developing an enhanced partnership between WYCA and bus operators.

Representatives of the bus operators also addressed the Board.  Issues highlighted included the following:

o  Recovery following the original announcement for people to avoid the use of public transport.

o  Staffing issues.

o  Partnership working to meet current challenges.

o  Provision of transport for key workers, school pupils and students.

o  Future challenges.

In response to Members comments and questions, the following was discussed:

·  There were capacity issues at peak times due to social distancing.

·  Ticketing  - MCard payments had been deferred.

·  Changing levels of demand and travel habits.

·  Most recent guidance for travel was to avoid unnecessary journeys.

·  Public concern regarding the use of public transport had lessened since the start of the pandemic.

·  Colour coded bus routes would include the relevant signage on the vehicles themselves.

·  Less than 3% of bus journeys were full to capacity.  Monitoring work was being undertaken to identify where additional services may assist.  Real time information and apps were being improved to indicate where journeys were full to capacity.

·  Bus companies were working with the coach sector to provide additional services where needed.

·  Delivery of the Bus Strategy and enhanced partnership working.

·  WYCA would have powers to franchise services when it becomes a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 40.

To receive a report from the Head of Democratic Services presenting details of initial 2021/22 budget savings proposals, as considered by the Executive Board at its meeting on 24 September 2020.

The report of the Head of Democratic Services provided Members with details of the latest revenue budget update for 2021/22 and budget savings proposals, as considered by Executive Board on 24 September 2020.

The following were in attendance for this item:

-  Councillor James Lewis, Executive Member

-  Councillor Jonathon Pryor, Executive Member

-  Martin Farrington, Director, City Development

-  Jill Stuart, Principal Finance Manager

-  Gary Bartlett, Chief Officer, Highways & Transportation

-  Sue Wynne, Chief Officer, Employment and Skills

-  Phil Evans, Chief Officer, Operations

-  Dave Feeney, Chief Officer, Planning

-  Martin Elliott, Head of Strategic Planning

Martin Farrington informed the Board of the budget and savings to be made across the service areas of City Development that fell within the remit of the Board.  These included Markets, Planning & Sustainable Development; Highways & Transport, Employment & Skills and Economic Development.  Areas of saving included deletion of vacant posts; savings through the Early Leavers Initiative and general expenditure reductions.

In response to Members comments and questions, the following was discussed:

·  Concern regarding staffing reduction and the impact on the ability to respond to planning and highways issues:

-  With regard to Planning it was recognised there was a need to maintain continuity whilst making efficiencies.  This was being achieved through service reviews and preparing for changes to be brought under planning reform.  There was also the need to continue the improved use of digital technology.

-  Demand for services outstripped resources in Highways and certain work areas had to be prioritised.  There was to be a review of structures to tackle this, a recognised need to improve communications and there would be discussion with the Executive Member in how to achieve this.

·  Car parking charges.

·  Reduction of the grant to the Credit Union,

RESOLVED – That the report and discussion be noted.

To consider the Scrutiny Board’s work schedule for the 2020/21 municipal year.

The report of the Head of Democratic Services asked Members to consider the Board’s Work Schedule for the remainder of the current municipal year.

The work schedule was appended to the report along with recent minutes of the Executive Board.

Members were reminded that there was to be a working group meeting to discuss the Government’s proposals for Planning on 21 October 2020.

RESOLVED – That the report and Works Schedule be noted.

The next meeting of the Board will be 18 November 2020 at 10am. There will be a pre-meet for all Board members at 9.45am.

Wednesday, 18 November 2020 at 10.00 a.m.  There will be a pre-meeting for all Board Members at 9.45 a.m.