Agenda and minutes

1.1.  The Chair opened the meeting with general housekeeping information.

1.2.  Apologies for absence from Cllr Race.

1.3.  Councillors virtually in attendance:

·  Cllr Lynch

1.4.  Guest / Officers virtually in attendance:

·  London TravelWatch - Alex Smith, Head of Campaigns.

2.1  The order of the items was as per the agenda.

3.1  There were no declarations of interest.

4.1  The Chair opened this item with the following introduction:

4.1.1  Transport for London (TfL) proposed new changes to London’s bus network.  Over the last 5 years there have been changes to London's bus network which has resulted in bus routes in Hackney being removed and other bus routes being re-routed to alternative destinations. 

4.1.2  When there are planned changes to the buses like Transport for London (TfL) is currently planning, it is important to us to we understand what impact they may have on everyone.  In addition, many people with disabilities in Hackney rely on the buses for their independence, as a fully accessible and affordable form of public transportation. 

4.1.3  With the bus network being a critical part of the public transport system in Hackney.  This discussion will consider the bus network in Hackney in light of the proposed changes by TfL to London’s bus services. 

4.1.4  This discussion is to ensure TfL have explored all avenues to mitigate any negative socio-economic, connectivity, and frequency impacts to Hackney borough’s residents, businesses and workers.  The Commission wants to have a better understanding about the information used to inform their proposals and is keen to ensure the challenges facing residents are fully understood by TfL.

4.1.5  This item is also informed by information from residents, Councillors and community organizations giving their views and experiences of London’s bus service in Hackney.

4.1.6  The Chair advised the Commission is aware the consultation closed early September and that TfL are still in the decision-making process following the consultation.  Therefore, TfL will not be able to confirm the outcome of the consultation and the decision. 

4.1.7  The Chair welcomed to the meeting from Transport for LondonGeoff Hobbs, Director of Public Transport Service Planning and Dylan Beeson, Community Partnerships Specialist Local Communities & Partnerships.

4.2  The Director of Public Transport Service Planning from TfL commenced his presentation and made the following main points:

4.2.1  Recapped on the information requested from the Scrutiny Commission.

·  The challenges facing the London Bus Network.

·  Central London Bus Review (some caveats in relation to the information that can be shared)

·  TfL’s Equalities Assessment in relation to the proposals

·  TfL Bus Action Plan and how Hackney can help.

4.2.2  In relation to the challenges the first challenge is the recovery of the bus network after the pandemic and restoring the level of demand to pre pandemic level.  Slide 3 showed the network at the end of September 22 compared to the equivalent day back in 2019 prior to the pandemic.  The officer pointed out it was a mixed pattern and that outer London boroughs had higher restoration rates.  Some inner London boroughs like Westminster had reached 78%, Kensington and Chelsea at 70% and Hackney was 83% of previous demand levels.

4.2.3  In addition, the changes to travel patterns, technology (like this meeting being hybrid) and have reduced the need to travel.  There has also been changes to other areas of the transport network providing such as Hackney’s overground, Victoria  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

5.1  Minutes from the previous meeting held on 20^th June 2022 were agreed.

5.2  Minutes from the previous meeting held on 18^th July 2022 were agreed.

5.3  The Chair outlined the action updates as noted on pages 111 – 112 of the agenda.

5.4  In relation to the matters arising update Cllr Smyth highlighted that the action request was asking the Council to explore finding an alternative to glass that is not single use plastic and is reusable.

The Chair suggested this is added as a suggestion for the work program to explore further with officers.

6.1  Chair referred to the papers in the agenda on pages 37-50 for the work program.

6.2  The Chair pointed out following the death of the Monarch the scrutiny commission’s meeting was cancelled.  This meeting has been rescheduled for 25^th April 2023.  The discussion items scheduled for the September meeting date have been moved to the 14^th December 2022.

6.3  As noted in the work program on pages 37-50.  The discussion item on 9^th January 2023 will cover library services.

Members queried if the discussion about libraries should be in December 2022 as this was a live topic of discussion. 

The Chair explained the timescale for discussion was agreed with officers and they wanted to have this item post consultation with staff and when the decision making was complete.

6.4  The Chair referred to Cllr Smyth’s point raised under 5.4 about sustainability and licensing and suggested the Commission considers if they want to add this as a discussion item to the work program.

7.1  None.