Here, a wider view that the thread started over the weekend about certain companies claiming Bus Service Operator's Grant for Rail Replacement buses, and suggestions that such claims are rather naughty as they're being paid under rail arrangements AND paid under bus arrangements for the same journeys. -
http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=12602.0Under existing arrangements, the Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG▸ ) for both commercial and non-commercial bus routes is administered centrally by the Department for Transport.
The BSOG is the partial refund on fuel duty received from the government by operators of local bus services in England.
From January 2014, BSOG funding for non-commercial routes ^ those which could not economically operate without support ^ will be devolved to local authorities.
from
http://www.rsnonline.org.uk/services/government-unveils-bus-subsidy-reformsit goes on to say
Government money currently paid to operators for these services will be paid to the local authority.
As this will result in the operator facing higher costs to operate the service, payment for which will have been agreed under the terms of the contract, there will be a need for the authority to compensate the operator through adjusted contract payments.
This funding will be ringfenced until April 2017 so that each local authority will have to spend it on bus services in their area.
The government claims that reforming the BSOG will give more freedom to local councils while making them accountable for the decisions they take.
Devolution of bus subsidy for locally tendered services follows the latest spending round when the Treasury confirmed that current levels of government support for buses would be maintained until at least 2015/16.
Several authorities will also be established as new Better Bus Areas this autumn, receiving increased funding to invest in bus improvement measures.
A cynic asks, bringing this to my attention by email
^devolved to local authorities^ ...As far as WC▸ is concerned, this probably will mean withdrawn, wont it???
I don't think it can be withdrawn until 2017 due to the ring fence. However, bad news and cuts are often dulled by being announced well ahead (3 or 4 years ahead) so that when the time comes (a) another government gets that blame and (b) the public can be told "you had an opportunity to object in 2013, but didn't". Thoughts, anyone?
Do we have any "Better Bus" areas coming to the South West? What are they?
