Agenda and minutes

Members are asked to declare any interests in the items under consideration and in doing so state:

(1) the type of interest concerned either a

(a)   personal interest

(b)   prejudicial interest

(c)    disclosable pecuniary interest (DPI)

and

(2) the nature of the interest concerned

If any member requires advice on declarations of interests, they are advised to contact the Head of Democratic Governance in advance of the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest on this occasion.

The Advisory Board resolved that under Section 100 (A) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the restricted minute within Item 3 ‘Minutes of the last meeting held on 1 March 2018’, part of Item 4 ‘Blackpool Transport Services’ during consideration of the financial projections and the whole of Item 5 ‘Blackpool Operating Company’ on that grounds that they would involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

To agree the public and restricted minutes of the last meeting held on 1 March 2018 as a true and correct record.

(This item contains commercially sensitive information which is exempt from publication by virtue of Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972).

The Advisory Board considered the minutes of the last meeting held on 1 March 2018, noting that there was a public and restricted version.

The Advisory Board agreed that the minutes be signed by the Chairman as a true and correct record.

To receive an overview of Blackpool Transport Services from Jane Cole, Managing Director.

Mrs Jane Cole, Managing Director, Blackpool Transport Services provided an overview of the work of the Company to the Advisory Board. She highlighted that the Company had a fleet of approximately 150 buses, 18 trams and 40 heritage trams. It was reported that the transformation plan had been implemented efficiently and that the five year business plan was therefore being renewed for 2018-2023. The new business plan would drive a wide range of ambitions including a potential park and ride scheme and the forthcoming Disability Conference.

The Advisory Board discussed the current bus depot located at Rigby Road and it was noted that an ambition to move to new premises was also included in the proposal for the business plan. Members discussed the options available to Blackpool Transport Services and noted that the heritage tram base would not be moved from the Rigby Road site at this stage. It was important that the bus depot was future proof and capable of supporting new technology such as electric buses.

In response to questions, Mr James Carney, Finance and Commercial Director, Blackpool Transport Services (BTS) advised that the cost of implementing electronic signage at bus stops was prohibitive and that the new app produced by BTS was well used and provided real time bus timetable information and mapping. Mrs Cole added that the bus shelters along the number three and four bus routes would be upgraded as part of a trial scheme to provide bolder and brighter timetabling information and improved shelter. The aim of the improvements was to reduce levels of vandalism and provide a better service for the community and if successful the scheme would be extended to additional bus routes.

Ms Kate Aldridge, Head of Delivery and Performance, Blackpool Council presented a draft list of performance indicators for use by the Shareholder’s Advisory Board when monitoring the performance of BTS. Mrs Cole highlighted that BTS would be introducing bus stop surveys in the next few months in order to achieve a more comprehensive picture of customer satisfaction. It was noted that some data was provided annually and would be considered on that basis by the Advisory Board.

(The press and public were excluded prior to consideration of the remainder of the item.)

The Advisory Board agreed:

1.      To receive a more detailed report on the budget of Blackpool Transport Services and the impact of the budget on the Shareholder at a future meeting.

2.      To receive the data relating to the performance indicators identified at a future meeting of the Advisory Board.

To discuss the financial position and options regarding expansion of the Sandcastle Waterpark.

(This item contains commercially sensitive information which is exempt from publication by virtue of Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972).

(The press and public were excluded prior to consideration of the item).

Mr Alan Cavill, Director of Place presented an overview of the options related to Blackpool Operating Company Limited’s future objectives.

The Advisory Board agreed:

To receive a more detailed report including business plan on the options to a meeting of the Advisory Board to be held in July 2018.

To update Board members on the appraisal of various options for the delivery of cultural related services including Illuminations, Arts Service, Visitor Services, Events and Marketing together with the LeftCoast arts participation team.

Mr Alan Cavill, Director of Place reported that the idea of creating a culture company had been first developed when making a bid for funding from the Arts Council. He added that although the bid had not been successful the reasons for creating a company had not diminished, namely to help the Council to provide services funded on a discretionary basis. It was reported that a number of other options were being considered and that a more comprehensive report would be provided to a future meeting of the Advisory Board.

The Advisory Board agreed:

To receive a more comprehensive report on culture related service delivery options at a future meeting.

To note the date and time of the next meeting as Thursday, 17 May 2018, commencing at 2.00pm.

The Advisory Board noted the date and time of the next meeting as Thursday, 17 May 2018, commencing at 2.00pm.