Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: March 3, 2025

Purpose: Pursuant to Minute No. 104 of the meeting of Cabinet held on 3rd March 2025, the Executive Director (Environment & Place), in consultation with Cabinet Member for Finance, Assets and Public Transport, was authorised to approve the final details of the new bus service and tender documents and the appointment of the successful bus operator.

Content: The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Environmental and Waste) presenting proposals to introduce a new bus service from London Southend Airport and the Airport Business Park to Leigh-on-Sea Railway Station.   Councillor Aylen attended the meeting and addressed the Cabinet on the matter.   Resolved:   1. That the procurement to tender a new bus service from London Southend Airport and the Airport Business Park to Leigh-on-Sea Rail Station, be approved.   2. That authority be delegated to the Executive Director (Environment and Place), in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance, Assets, Investments and Public Transport, to finalise the details of the new bus service and tender documents and appointment of the successful bus operator.   Reasons for decision:   This new bus service supports the government’s ambitions to get people using public transport and will support access for residents and businesses in St Laurence, Eastwood Park, Belfairs, Blenheim Park, Leigh and West Leigh wards.   Other options:   Not to provide a new bus service and residents will access Leigh as they currently do either by driving, hiring a taxi, travelling to the city centre to access a bus service to Leigh, or not making the journey at all.  Also, workers at the industrial areas along the route will continue to access these sites by car and hinder those that do not have access to a car.   Note: This is an Executive Function Not eligible for call-in Cabinet Member: Cllr Collins