Object to the cuts to funding for bus services

Dear Mr Murphy

I refer to the petition, signed by residents requesting that the decision to cut Arriva Midlands funding be reversed, to save Sunday Services. I can advise you that receipt of the petition has been reported to Cllr Mark Deaville, Cabinet Member for Commercial (including Highways & Transport).

As the petition relates to Arriva Midlands decision to withdraw Sunday services at their Cannock depot, it has been forwarded to their regional Managing Director for his review and response. This decision was based on the company’s business decision related to its commercially provided services, i.e., those which were operated without funding from the county council.

As you are aware the council has revised funding for public transport for 2018/19. Staffordshire will continue to support public transport, (which is a non-statutory function), to the tune of £1.3m per annum. The ongoing level of bus service support was agreed by Members in order to maintain funding for Social Care, Adult Care, Highways, Entitled Home to School transport and other statutory functions, which are experiencing increased demand. These areas would be subject to additional risk and financial and delivery pressure, if the public transport savings are not delivered.

The council continues to work with local bus, community transport and voluntary car scheme providers and in conjunction with local communities to shape viable and sustainable travel options in a predominantly rural county.

Yours sincerely

Amanda Felton

Executive Support Officer