Results of Combined Authority Consultation to be discussed by Board Members
The Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority Board will consider an ambitious package of measures including £80m of new capital investment, and a huge leap forward in bus services region-wide, at its meeting on Wednesday 31st January.
Board Members will consider the results of the statutory consultation on the 2023- 25 draft Corporate Strategy Refresh, draft 2024-25 budget (including Mayoral Precept proposals) and the draft Medium Term Financial Plan 2024-25 to 2027-28.
These proposals include plans to invest: £3.85m into reduced fares for under 25s; with bus fares cut in half from £2 to £1, an additional £5m into the development of ARU Peterborough, £9m into managing climate changes and £22m in improvements to road and rail connectivity.
In addition to over 450 responses on the statutory consultation, the Combined Authority received over 700 responses to a survey asking residents to suggest new bus routes, or improvements to current bus routes; the findings of this will also be considered at the upcoming meeting of the Combined Authority Board.
Analysis of the responses to the statutory consultation shows that a majority of respondents (52%) support the proposal to increase the Mayoral Precept to £36 to improve bus services. The analysis also shows that seven in ten participants agree to paying a level of Mayoral Precept to support improvements to bus services.
Respondents were also asked to answer questions on whether they were supportive of proposed priority activities.
The two activities with the highest levels of support were: “work with employers to increase the number of high-quality apprenticeships open to young people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds” and “improve transport links in rural areas to reduce isolation and make it easier for people to access, work, skills and leisure opportunities.
Further analysis of the responses to the statutory consultation can be found here.
Mayor Dr Nik Johnson said: “This is a great response – the number of people taking the time to have their say shows just how important better buses are to our region, how much support there is for our wider priorities, and why the additional investment I am proposing is so badly needed.
“It’ll mean we can consider offering more routes and more frequent services, serving far more people more conveniently than is currently the case. What’s more, we’re also offering a huge reduction in the price of travel for everyone under the age of 25, with bus fares cut in half to just £1.
“These are ambitions proposals, I’m proud of the progress they represent, and look forward to seeking the support of all Members at Wednesday’s Board meeting.”
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