Agenda item

This Council notes the continuing decline in bus patronage in Leeds, down by 18% in the last 20 years. Given this background Council believes that now, more than ever, Leeds should be looking to develop a long term and ambitious transport plan that will deliver improved air quality, boost growth and jobs and provide a 21^st century transport system that residents in Leeds deserve.

This Council welcomes the ongoing consultation but requests a report to be brought to Executive Board as soon as possible refreshing the Council’s approach to transport set out in the interim Leeds Transport Strategy with a view to establishing a truly ambitious transport strategy and securing the necessary investment to deliver it.

It was moved by Councillor Buckley, seconded by Councillor Andrew Carter that this Council notes the continuing decline in bus patronage in Leeds, down by 18% in the last 20 years. Given this background Council believes that now, more than ever, Leeds should be looking to develop a long term and ambitious transport plan that will deliver improved air quality, boost growth and jobs and provide a 21^st century transport system that residents in Leeds deserve.

This Council welcomes the ongoing consultation but requests a report to be brought to Executive Board as soon as possible refreshing the Council’s approach to transport set out in the interim Leeds Transport Strategy with a view to establishing a truly ambitious transport strategy and securing the necessary investment to deliver it.

An amendment was moved by Councillor J Bentley, seconded by Councillor C Harrison

Delete the second paragraph and replace with:

Council believes that the delivery of such an ambition cannot rely on the market and the private sector. It therefore calls on the government to allow West Yorkshire Combined Authority similar powers to Transport for London to introduce regulation to ensure that all Leeds communities enjoy the benefits of a transport system that is a genuine public service.

This Council welcomes the ongoing consultation but requests a report to be brought to Executive Board as soon as possible refreshing the Council’s approach to transport set out in the interim Leeds Transport Strategy with a view to establishing a truly ambitious transport strategy and securing the necessary investment to deliver it. The report should include examination of initiatives such as community bus networks and revenue raising opportunities such as a workplace parking levy.

Full motion will then read:

“This Council notes the continuing decline in bus patronage in Leeds, down by 18% in the last 20 years. Given this background Council believes that now, more than ever, Leeds should be looking to develop a long term and ambitious transport plan that will deliver improved air quality, boost growth and jobs and provide a 21st century transport system that residents in Leeds deserve.

Council believes that the delivery of such an ambition cannot rely on the market and the private sector. It therefore calls on the government to allow West Yorkshire Combined Authority similar powers to Transport for London to introduce regulation to ensure that all Leeds communities enjoy the benefits of a transport system that is a genuine public service.

This Council welcomes the ongoing consultation but requests a report to be brought to Executive Board as soon as possible refreshing the Council’s approach to transport set out in the interim Leeds Transport Strategy with a view to establishing a truly ambitious transport strategy and securing the necessary investment to deliver it. The report should include examination of initiatives such as community bus networks and revenue raising opportunities such as a workplace parking levy.”

A second amendment was moved by Councillor D Blackburn, seconded by Councillor A Blackburn

Introduce an additional paragraph at the end of the motion which reads:

Council also recognises that without the introduction of bus franchising in Leeds and across West Yorkshire, bus usage will not improve.  Council therefore calls on the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and the Leader of Leeds City Council to take every opportunity to press Central Government for the powers to introduce bus franchising in West Yorkshire.

A third amendment was moved by Councillor R Lewis, seconded by Councillor K Groves

Delete all after “This Council notes the continuing decline in bus patronage in Leeds….” and replace with:

……“, down by half in metropolitan areas since deregulation in 1986 saw services privatised.

Council believes buses are a lifeline for thousands of Leeds residents, particularly those who don’t own a car, who rely on them to connect to family and friends, as well as to access work, education, essential services and recreational activities.

Council therefore believes it is right the Leeds Transport Strategy, that took into account the views of over 8000 Leeds residents, aims to deliver an improved bus network that doubles bus patronage in the city.   Council believes increased local democratic control over bus services would help deliver that aim.

Council is however deeply concerned that improvements to public transport in Leeds are held back by the continuing significant disparity in Central Government funding for the city compared to London and the South East, holding back investment in large schemes and the level of support for unprofitable bus routes.

Council notes a report on the Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme will be considered by Executive Board on 27th July.

Council calls for Government to address the disparity in funding and give the Council more democratic control over bus services in order to help deliver much needed improvements to public transport in Leeds. 

The amendments in the name of Councillors Bentley and D Blackburn were declared lost and upon being put to the vote it was

RESOLVED – That this Council notes the continuing decline in bus patronage in Leeds down by half in metropolitan areas since deregulation in 1986 saw services privatised.

Council believes buses are a lifeline for thousands of Leeds residents, particularly those who don’t own a car, who rely on them to connect to family and friends, as well as to access work, education, essential services and recreational activities.

Council therefore believes it is right the Leeds Transport Strategy, that took into account the views of over 8000 Leeds residents, aims to deliver an improved bus network that doubles bus patronage in the city.  Council believes increased local democratic control over bus services would help deliver that aim.

Council is however deeply concerned that improvements to public transport in Leeds are held back by the continuing significant disparity in Central Government funding for the city compared to London and the South East, holding back investment in large schemes and the level of support for unprofitable bus routes.

Council notes a report on the Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme will be considered by Executive Board on 27th July.

Council calls for Government to address the disparity in funding and give the Council more democratic control over bus services in order to help deliver much needed improvements to public transport in Leeds.