Purpose

To consider approving the commencement of a procurement exercise, and delegate the award of specialist consultancy services, to undertake a detailed bus franchising assessment funded through a £1 million grant awarded by the Department for Transport.

Decision

1. That the use of the ESPO Consultancy Services Framework 664-25, Lot 5 (Highways, Traffic and Transport), be approved for specialist consultancy services (for the delivery of a full strategic bus franchising assessment).
2. That Ove Arup Ltd be appointed via Direct Award using the identified framework to undertake the full strategic franchising assessment.
3. That authority be delegated to the Director of Environment and Property, in consultation with the Cabinet member for Environment, Waste, Highways and Transport, the Director for Planning and Placemaking and the Assistant Director of Finance, to finalise the details of specification for the consultancy services and approve the length of the consultancy contract.