Cuts could leave vulnerable ‘stranded’

Consultation next step before decision is made

KCC cabinet member for highways, Cllr Matthew Balfour, said a report will go to the environment office and cabinet before going to consultation.

He said: “The contracts under discussion could be support for the whole service, some evening journeys, weekend journeys, diversions off of the route, or specific journeys.

“At present it is proposed to reduce the budget from the Socially Necessary Bus Services by £4 million over the next two years, as budgets are extremely tight.

“If agreed by members, a decision will then be made as to whether to proceed with the proposals and put them out to consultation in January.

“But we recognise the importance of these bus contracts affected by the proposals, which account for 1.6 million journeys.

“The proposals have identified KCC-supported contracts which, subject to consultation, could be withdrawn.

“It does not necessarily mean the whole service will go.

“Supporting the Socially Necessary Bus Services is discretionary by the county council. We don’t have a statutory requirement to provide funds for these buses to run.

“We would encourage anyone affected by these proposals to take part in the consultation to make sure their views are known before a final decision is made next year.”

Critics say this is a cut to a frontline service that allows people without access to a car to travel to work, school and into town

KCC’s Matthew Balfour