Agenda item

Name ofCouncillor askingQuestion

Name ofCabinet Member Responding

Councillor Jaggard to the

Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development:

I was speaking to a young family who do not drive and rely completely on the buses and are concerned about rising costs.  What impact on bus travel do you believe the rising of the £2 single journey bus fare cap to £3 will have on the overall bus usage and what is the response to families who journeys are going up by 50%?

Supplementary:

I appreciate your response but I’m aware we do have influence with the bus company, contacts and the Sustainability Manager. In Maidenbower there is only 1 bus and you need to change to continue any journey.  Please could we look to the Council to promote a ‘hopper fare’ where passengers can make changes to their bus journey within an hour without having to pay for an additional bus/fare.

Councillor Nawaz

(Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development):

I believe this was always the plan to end the subsidy at some point. Unfortunately, it is not the Council’s decision and as a highway authority WSCC may be able to provide further information. I understand it’s going to be difficult however I do not believe it is within our powers to have an impact.

I believe this is already taking place in Crawley. I will try and obtain some further information for you and confirm.

Councillor Ayling to the

Leader of the Council:

I was pleased to visit Ellie’s Café which has recently opened next to the Millpond. I understand the Café will soon to be reopening the community garden project with support funding from the Shared Prosperity Fund.  Please can you confirm if that is correct and also how volunteers can become involved in helping with this project?

Councillor Jones

(Leader of the Council):

I was pleased to see the opening of the facility in Bewbush.  I don’t think the social value of play cafes can be overstated. It helps create a network for families with young children and helps them form support and friendships for years to come. I recently approved a grant from the Shared Prosperity Fund to Ellie’s towards the establishment of the community garden. I’m sure the organisers will be delighted to have volunteers to help and I will ask our Community Development Team to find out further details on how this can be achieved.

Councillor Crow to the

Cabinet Member for Resources:

We recently had a Notice of Motion at the last Full Council meeting about Pension Credit and the Council promoting the uptake of Pension Credit due to the removal of the Winter Fuel Payment for pensioners.  There was a press release encouraging pensioners to come into the Town Hall and make applications.  Are you able to tell us how many pensioners have come into the Town Hall and made use of the offer and support available to them to make Pension Credit applications?  Also do you have any further advice for those pensioners who are not entitled to Pension Credit but are struggling this winter and what assistance is available?

Councillor Rana

(Cabinet Member for Resources):

At the time I do not have a specific number of individuals that have come in requesting support and completing applications.  I will ask officers for the numbers and respond to you.

However I do know people come in regularly and ask for help.  The officers are well trained and are able to provide assistance and guidance towards making applications. We also have the Citizens’ Advice Bureau that attends the Town Hall to provide further information.