North Yorkshire Council

Executive

15 April 2025

Bus Service Improvement Plan 4 Grant Acceptance and Delivery and Delegation of Public Transport Duties

Report of the Corporate Director of Environment

1.0 PURPOSE OF REPORT

1.1 To consider arrangements for the accepting of the delegation of Local Transport Functions from the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority; and

1.2 To seek approval for the acceptance of Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) 4 grant from the York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority;

1.3 To seek approval for the overall plan of expenditure for the associated Delivery Plan.

2.0 BACKGROUND

2.1 Following the establishment of the York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority (YNYCA) in 2024, Local Transport Functions which are used to deliver most of the public transport activity carried out by NYC were transferred to the YNYCA.

2.2 These bus powers were delegated to NYC in August 2024 to allow teams within the Environment Service to continue to deliver public transport functions such as provision of supported local bus services and the statutory concessionary travel scheme. This delegation was accepted by the Corporate Director Environment on 2 August 2024 and was due to expire on 31 March 2025 (with the exception of the Bus Service Improvement Plan 3 which is due to expire on 30 June 2025).

2.3 On 31 March 2025, YNYCA made a decision to extend the existing delegation of Local Transport Functions until 30 June 2025. On 31 March 2025, the Corporate Director of Environment accepted a one-month extension of the delegation until 01 May 2025.

2.4 It is understood that YNYCA will be considering the 2025/26 delegation at its next Meeting in June 2025.

2.5 On 19 March 2024 the Executive authorised the Corporate Director of Environment to accept a Department for Transport (DfT) BSIP3 grant to fund Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) schemes in 2024/25, paid directly by the DfT to NYC.

2.6 In September 2024, the DfT announced details of BSIP 4 grant funding for 2025/26 with a total of £6.4m revenue and £4.9m capital being allocated for York and North Yorkshire. This grant will be paid directly to the YNYCA along with £1.0m of Bus Service Operator’s Grant (BSOG) (that previously was also paid direct to NYC).

3.0 Public Transport delivery and BSIP4 funding for 2025/26

3.1 With only a small transport team in place at the Combined Authority, it is expected that NYC and CYC will continue to carry out day-to-day public transport functions on behalf of the YNYCA in the same way as has been successfully done in 2024/25. This will require a continued delegation of Local Transport Functions to NYC by YNYCA.

3.2 Since the establishment of the YNYCA, officers from NYC, CYC and YNYCA have worked together to ensure our BSIP plans align and that passengers will see a joined-up approach on bus fares and bus services.

3.3 Following the announcement of a further year of BSIP grant funding by DfT, YNYCA has set out a single 2025/26 Bus Grant Delivery Plan based on the existing NYC and CYC Plans, detailing revenue and capital local bus projects to be delivered next year. BSIP4 grant funding will be provided to NYC and CYC to deliver these schemes once an extension of the current delegation of Local Transport Functions is confirmed.

3.4 The delivery plan is included as Appendix A and was developed jointly by NYC, CYC and the YNYCA. Much of the revenue funding will be used to continue financial support for existing bus services and fare schemes in North Yorkshire.

3.5 Table showing expected grant funding to be provided by YNYCA to NYC:

	Revenue	Capital
BSIP4	3,593,250	2,300,000
BSOG	1,039,698	0
total	4,632,948	2,300,000

3.6 The BSIP4 grant will be allocated as shown in the Delivery Plan (Appendix A). BSOG funding is needed to support existing bus services contracted by NYC.

4.0 CONSULTATION UNDERTAKEN AND RESPONSES

4.1 Engagement with bus operators has taken place through the Enhanced Partnerships set up in North Yorkshire and York and at a bus operator meeting hosted by the MCA.

5.0 ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED

5.1 None, accepting the continued delegation of Local Transport Functions will allow officers to carry out local bus activities on a BAU basis and accepting the BSIP4 grant is necessary to retain and enhance the bus network for the benefit of residents and passengers.

6.0 FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

6.1 The BSIP4 grant funding will be provided by the YNYCA to deliver the schemes set out in their Bus Grant Delivery Plan and no match funding from the Council is required. The BSOG grant is at the same level as it was in 2024/25 and will continue to support the contracts that are currently in place.

7.0 LEGAL IMPLICATIONS

7.1 In accordance with Section 101 of the Local Government Act 1972 and the Local Authorities (Arrangements for the Discharge of Functions) (England) Regulations 2012 a local authority and/or a Combined Authority may make arrangements, subject as provided therein, for the discharge of any of their functions by (inter alia) any other local authority.

7.2 By virtue of Article 13(3) of the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority Order 2023 the functions specified in Parts 4 (local transport services) and 5 (financial provisions) of the Transport Act 1985 and Part 2 of the Transport Act 2000 are exercisable by the YNYCA (‘Local Transport Functions’).

7.3 YNYCA has made a decision, pursuant to section 101 of the Local Government Act 1972 Act, to extend the current delegation of the discharge of the Local Transport Functions (excluding S108, 109, S112 and 154 of the Transport Act 2000, which are decisions for the Mayor) within the administrative area of North Yorkshire to NYC, and for the administrative area of the City of York to CYC until 30 June 2025. The delegation is subject to a S101 Agreement between NYC, CYC and YNYCA. Any decision for the 2025/26 delegation of Local Transport Functions will be made under the same provision and be subject to a similar agreement.

7.4 In respect of S108, 109, S112 and S154 of the Transport Act 2000, YNYCA, CYC and NYC intend to discharge these powers jointly in accordance with the Order and S101 (5) Local Government Act 1972.

7.5 The terms and conditions of the Grant have not yet been received. Once received, they will be reviewed by Legal Services.

7.6 The grant funding will be administered in line with the Subsidy Control Act 2022, the Council’s Procurement and Contract Procedure Rules and where applicable the Procurement Act 2023.

8.0 EQUALITIES IMPLICATIONS

8.1 Consideration has been given to the potential for any adverse equality impacts arising from this decision (see Appendix B). The acceptance of the BSIP4 grant will enable the council to maintain and improve local bus services which are often relied on by older, disabled or lower income groups.

9.0 CLIMATE CHANGE IMPLICATIONS

9.1 Consideration has been given to the potential for any adverse climate impacts arising from this decision and a Climate Change Impact Assessment (CCIA) has been undertaken. (Appendix C). The acceptance of the BSIP4 grant will enable the council to maintain and improve local bus services to support travel by more sustainable modes and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transport by reducing private car journeys. Improving local bus services will support a modal shift away from the car with associated positive climate impacts.

10.0 REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATIONS

10.1 Accepting the continued delegation of Local Transport Functions and a BSIP4 grant from YNYCA will allow officers to carry out public transport activities for the benefit of residents and passengers.

11.0

RECOMMENDATION(S)

11.1

11.2

The Executive is asked to consider the information in this report and it is recommended that the Executive:

i) accepts the extension of the current delegation of the Local Transport Functions from the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority until 30 June 2025 and approves the delegation to the Corporate Director for the Environment, in consultation with the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal and Democratic Services), to agree the terms of and enter into any associated Agreement.

ii) in the event that such delegation is granted, approves the delegation to the Corporate Director for the Environment, in consultation with the Executive Member Highways and Transportation, to accept the delegation of the Local Transport Functions from the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority for 2025/26 and, in consultation with the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal and Democratic Services), to agree the terms of and enter into the associated Agreement.

Subject to the approval of the above recommendation (i), it is further recommended that the Executive:

iii) authorises the acceptance of the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) 4 grant of £5,893,250 and Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG) of £1,039,698 from the York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority and approves the delegation to the Corporate Director for the Environment, in conjunction with the Corporate Director for Resources and the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal and Democratic Services), to agree the terms of and enter into the associated Agreement.

iv) approves the outline plan for expenditure for the Council set out in Appendix A and approves the delegation to the Corporate Director for the Environment to agree the details of such expenditure and enter into the associated agreements.

APPENDICES:

Appendix A - YNYCA Bus Grant Delivery Plan

Appendix B - Equalities Impact Assessment

Appendix C – Climate Change Impact Assessment

BACKGROUND DOCUMENTS: None

Karl Battersby

Corporate Director – Environment

County Hall

Northallerton

02 April.2025

Report Author – Andy Clarke Public & Community Transport Manager

Presenter of Report – Mike Leah, Assistant Director - Environment and Transport

Note: Members are invited to contact the author in advance of the meeting with any detailed queries or questions.

ALLOCATION OF 2025/26 BUS GRANT

Description

Lead

2025/26 allocation

Capital Schemes

Real Time Information Displays at bus stops

Roadside information system

Bus stop flag/timetable replacement

Bus stop accessibility improvements and upgrades

Website overhaul to reflect CA powers

Bus stop accessibility improvements design

Bus station upgrade design and implementation

Station Gateway Cost Overrun

Park and Ride Improvements Project uplift

City Centre Sustainable Corridor Cost Overrun

Bus Stop & Accessibility Upgrades

Bus Stop/RTI/Pedestrian Access Programme

Improved bus offer preparatory work (incl. bus reform)

Revenue Support Schemes

Service Enhancements Fare Schemes

Service Enhancements

Fare Schemes

Marketing & Behaviour Change

Information & Branding

Contingency

NYC

CYC

YNYCA

NYC

CYC

YNYCA

£500,000

£50,000

£200,000

£1,000,000

£50,000 £250,000

£250,000

£1,000,000 £250,000

£200,000

£400,000

£250,000

£587,355

£4,987,355

£2,393,250

£1,200,000

£1,076,000

£1,195,000 £150,000

£165,000

£221,972 £6,401,222

Page 25

Initial equality impact assessment screening form This form records an equality screening process to determine the relevance of equality to a proposal, and a decision whether or not a full EIA would be appropriate or proportionate.
Directorate	Environment
Service area	Integrated Passenger Transport
Proposal being screened	BSIP4 Grant Acceptance and Delivery and Delegation of Public Transport Duties
Officer(s) carrying out screening	Andy Clarke
What are you proposing to do?	To accept the delegation of Local Transport Functions from the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority; To seek approval for the acceptance of Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) 4 grant from the York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority and approval for the overall plan of expenditure for the associated Delivery Plan.
Why are you proposing this? What are the desired outcomes?	This will allow NYC officers to continue to deliver Local Transport Functions and the grant and delivery plan will maintain existing bus services and fund enhancements.
Does the proposal involve a significant commitment or removal of resources? Please give details.	Funding is being provided by YNYCA for the delivery plan, no additional NYC staff resources required.
Impact on people with any of the following protected characteristics as defined by the Equality Act 2010, or NYCC’s additional agreed characteristics As part of this assessment, please consider the following questions: To what extent is this service used by particular groups of people with protected characteristics? Does the proposal relate to functions that previous consultation has identified as important? Do different groups have different needs or experiences in the area the proposal relates to? If for any characteristic it is considered that there is likely to be an adverse impact or you have ticked ‘Don’t know/no info available’, then a full EIA should be carried out where this is proportionate. You are advised to speak to your Equality rep for advice if you are in any doubt.
Protected characteristic		Potential for adverse impact				Don’t know/No info available
		Yes		No
Age				X
Disability				X
Sex				X
Race				X
Sexual orientation				X
Gender reassignment				X
Religion or belief				X
Pregnancy or maternity				X
Marriage or civil partnership				X

People in rural areas				X
People on a low income				X
Carer (unpaid family or friend)				X
Are from the Armed Forces Community				X
Does the proposal relate to an area where there are known inequalities/probable impacts (e.g. disabled people’s access to public transport)? Please give details.		The acceptance of the BSIP4 grant will enable the council to maintain and improve local bus services which are often relied on by older, disabled or lower income groups.
Will the proposal have a significant effect on how other organisations operate? (e.g. partners, funding criteria, etc.). Do any of these organisations support people with protected characteristics? Please explain why you have reached this conclusion.		no
Decision (Please tick one option)		EIA not relevant or proportionate:	ü		Continue to full EIA:
Reason for decision		The acceptance of the BSIP4 grant will enable the council to maintain and improve local bus services which will bring benefits for bus passengers including groups with protected characteristics.
Signed (Assistant Director or equivalent)		Mike Leah
Date		02/04/2025

Climate change impact assessment

The purpose of this assessment is to help us understand the likely impacts of our decisions on the environment of North Yorkshire and on our aspiration to achieve net carbon neutrality by 2030, or as close to that date as possible. The intention is to mitigate negative effects and identify projects which will have positive effects.

This document should be completed in consultation with the supporting guidance. The final document will be published as part of the decision-making process and should be written in Plain English.

If you have any additional queries which are not covered by the guidance, please email climatechange@northyorks.gov.uk

Title of proposal	BSIP4 Grant Acceptance and Delivery and Delegation of Public Transport Duties
Brief description of proposal	To accept the delegation of Local Transport Functions from the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority; To seek approval for the acceptance of Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) 4 grant from the York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority and approval for an overall plan of expenditure for the associated Delivery Plan.
Directorate	Environment
Service area	Integrated Passenger Transport
Lead officer	Andy Clarke
Names and roles of other people involved in carrying out the impact assessment	Andy Clarke
Date impact assessment started	17 March 2025

Options appraisal

Were any other options considered in trying to achieve the aim of this project? If so, please give brief details and explain why alternative options were not progressed.

No other options, accepting the continued delegation of Local Transport Functions will allow officers to carry out local bus activities on a BAU

basis and accepting the BSIP4 grant is necessary to retain and enhance the bus network for the benefit of residents and passengers.

What impact will this proposal have on council budgets? Will it be cost neutral, have increased cost or reduce costs?

No impact on NYC budgets, sufficient BSIP4 grant funding will be provided by the YNYCA to deliver the schemes set out in their Bus Grant Delivery Plan and no match funding is required.

How will this proposal impact on the environment? N.B. There may be short term negative impact and longer term positive impact. Please include all potential impacts over the lifetime of a project and provide an explanation.		Positive impact (Place a X in the box below where relevant)	No impact (Place a X in the box below where relevant)	Negative impact (Place a X in the box below where relevant)	Explain why will it have this effect and over what timescale? Where possible/relevant please include: Changes over and above business as usual Evidence or measurement of effect Figures for CO₂e Links to relevant documents	Explain how you plan to mitigate any negative impacts.	Explain how you plan to improve any positive outcomes as far as possible.
Minimise greenhouse gas emissions e.g. reducing emissions from travel, increasing energy efficiencies etc.	Emissions from travel	X			Providing and improving bus services encourages modal shift from the private car which reduces emissions.	More bus routes are now operated by electric buses which further supports a reduction in travel emissions.	Strengthening bus services increases passenger numbers, which in turn increases the likelihood of further investment in bus service provision and lower / zero emission vehicles.
	Emissions from construction		X		No impact anticipated
	Emissions from running of buildings		X		No impact anticipated
	Other
Minimise waste: Reduce, reuse, recycle and compost e.g. reducing use of single use plastic			X		No impact anticipated
Reduce water consumption			X		No impact anticipated
Minimise pollution (including air, land, water, light and noise)			X		No impact anticipated
Ensure resilience to the effects of climate change e.g. reducing flood risk, mitigating effects of drier, hotter summers			X		No impact anticipated
Enhance conservation and wildlife			X		No impact anticipated
Safeguard the distinctive characteristics, features and special qualities of North Yorkshire’s landscape			X		No impact anticipated
Other (please state below)			X		No impact anticipated

Are there any recognised good practice environmental standards in relation to this proposal? If so, please detail how this proposal meets those standards.

N/A

Summary Summarise the findings of your impact assessment, including impacts, the recommendation in relation to addressing impacts, including any legal advice, and next steps. This summary should be used as part of the report to the decision maker.

Improving local bus services will support travel by more sustainable modes and lower greenhouse gas emissions from transport by reducing private car journeys. Improving local bus services will support a modal shift away from the car with associated positive climate impacts.

Sign off section

This climate change impact assessment was completed by:

Name	Andy Clarke
Job title	Public & Community Transport Manager
Service area	Integrated Passenger Transport
Directorate	Business and Environmental Services
Signature	A Clarke
Completion date	17/3/25

Authorised by relevant Assistant Director (signature): Mike Leah

Date: 02/04/2025