You Said, We Did

We have already received over 16,000 responses to consultation with clear messages around transport, cultural services, street lighting and protecting vulnerable people.

Subsidised bus services are one of a number of areas where savings are being considered. The BOLD programme proposes a reduction of £2.5million in the subsidised local bus budget funded by the taxpayer: currently £4million per year. Residents have had the chance to help shape the future delivery of its services through a twelve week consultation exercise, which closed on April 1, 2011. A number of key points have been raised by respondents. In particular, it became clear that many people considered that their local bus service was vital to access essential services and facilities.

The consultation attracted more than 2,500 returned questionnaires and over 100 written responses, along with 24 petitions from across Worcestershire in support of local bus services. The clear message from the feedback gathered was that people would prefer a reduction in service frequencies wherever possible, rather than a complete withdrawal. We listened and will be reducing the frequency of services wherever possible and only withdrawing 25 services completely, significantly less than the original planned 72.

How to get involved…

Consultation began in earnest in 2010 and was followed up by further iterations in 2011 which went into more detail to inform the budget decisions. There are lots of ways you can get involved and help shape the council and the services it provides;

• Details of public meetings, e.g. Cabinet, Council
• Details of our next round of public road shows will be posted here soon

Consultation on changes to specific services take place regularly – Click here for further information