Agenda item

It was agreed that the Council would join the BES2 Scheme in accordance with the report.

Delegated powers were granted to the Head of Environment Department in consultation with the Head of Finance Department and Head of Legal to agree and complete the Voluntary Regional Partnership Agreement for the implementation of the scheme in North Wales.

The report was submitted by Cllr Gareth Griffith

DECISION

It was agreed that the Council would join the BES2 Scheme in accordance with the report.

Delegated powers were granted to the Head of Environment Department in consultation with the Head of Finance Department and Head of Legal Services to agree and complete the Voluntary Regional Partnership Agreement for the implementation of the scheme in North Wales.

DISCUSSION

The report was submitted noting the decision namely that the Council would join the Welsh Government's BES2 Scheme in accordance with the report.

The Head of Environment Department added that two schemes had been implemented previously to support public transport by ensuring sufficient financial support throughout the emergency period. It was highlighted that the scheme was a partnership between Local Authorities, Welsh Government, Transport Wales and operators. It was noted that the scheme ensured sufficient financial support for operators and the objectives seen in the report were highlighted. It was emphasised that it was a temporary scheme that would come to an end in July 2022 and that it gave more control for Welsh Government and Transport Wales in terms of prioritising services and influencing ticket prices. It was highlighted that the scheme was far-reaching.

It was noted that it was a period of great change with re-designing across the country and the importance of being part of this scheme was highlighted in order to influence to ensure specific services in rural services across the county, which would be considered as more of a challenge in Gwynedd.

Observations arising from the discussion

¾ It was enquired whether or not committing to the temporary scheme would further commit the Council to the scheme. It was noted that there was a number of work streams and that joining would ensure that streams moved forward, highlighting that there was a correlation and that one could only influence by joining.

¾     It was stated that the recommendation noted to join in order to influence, it was enquired what were the implications of not joining. It was stated that it was not entirely clear at present, but it was noted that companies would see the most impact but the need to be able to influence was emphasised.

¾     It was noted that Welsh Government would have a role for the main streams but the need for a local role was highlighted in order to look out for Gwynedd residents. It was also elaborated that there was much expertise locally. It was noted that it was encouraging that Welsh Government was interested in the work undertaken by us on social value when prioritising transport. The need for more control and local expertise was explained.

¾     Some concerns were highlighted with regards to giving more powers to Transport Wales in the field of buses and that this could hinder local democracy once again if we were not careful.

¾     It was emphasised that the Cabinet Member was part of the North Wales Transport Sub-group and that the past year had been very busy in the field. Although Welsh Government was eager for this to be adopted across the whole of Wales, it was stated that they did not have the capacity to consider the whole of Wales and, therefore, local support was expected.