To receive an update from the Community Transport Project Officer, LCVS.

The Chairman welcomed Rachel Gmajner, Community Transport Officer for LCVS and Dr Batul Dungarwalla, Strategic Lead – Thriving Communities and Inclusive Growth for LCVS to the Meeting.

Members received a presentation that detailed an overview of the community transport project including the role of the Lincolnshire Community and Voluntary Service (LCVS), progress to date and a summary of voluntary car schemes, community minibuses and Call Connect Demand Response Transport (DRT) in East Lindsey.  A copy of the presentation is attached at Appendix B to the Minutes.

Members were invited to put their comments and questions forward.

• The Chairman commented that it would be beneficial to be provided with a map of all the areas covered by the community transport schemes.  In response, the Community Transport Officer, LCVS advised Members that all areas of the district had transport coverage through the Louth and Sutton on Sea car schemes.   Members were further advised that Louth had around 100 drivers and that some of the smaller villages had fewer volunteer drivers to provide transport cover. 

• The Chairman further queried the coverage for areas just outside of Boston that fell within East Lindsey district.  In response, the Community Transport Officer, LCVS advised Members that areas near Boston could be covered by either Boston or Louth schemes and that transport in Boston benefited visitors to the Pilgrim Hospital.

• A Member queried whether the UKSPF funding which ceased in March 2025 would be renewed to enable the project to continue.  In response, the Strategic Lead – Thriving Communities and Inclusive Growth, LCVS advised Members that UKSPF funding was under discussion and that other opportunities were being explored.

• A Member commented on the success of the Voluntary Car Schemes and provided an example where an individual was unable to provide an upfront payment.  In response, the Community Transport Officer, LCVS advised Members that challenges with paying upfront were recognised and that attempts were being made to establish funds to subsidise journeys in advance. 

The Community Transport Officer, LCVS assured Members that she was in post until May 2025 and that further attempts to secure funding would be made.

The Strategic Lead – Thriving Communities and Inclusive Growth, LCVS further advised Members that support with social journeys was as important as medical journeys to combat loneliness and to support people’s wellbeing.

• A Member queried awareness of voluntary community transport services by members of the public and whether the service could cope with a sudden increase in demand.  In response, the Community Transport Officer, LCVS advised Members that sudden increases in demand would present challenges and that existing passengers had long-term familiarity with the service, however websites such as the Lincs Links, Connect to support and One You Lincolnshire aimed to inform users and encourage volunteer drivers to come forward.

• A Member queried the opportunities for funding support for the miles travelled without a passenger.  In response, the Community Transport Officer, LCVS advised Members of an example in South Holland where a parish car scheme operated from money through a parish council’s precept.

• A Member commented that he was previously unaware of the community transport schemes and queried whether information could be distributed to all parish councils.  In response, the Community Transport Officer, LCVS advised Members that a report was soon to be published which would be widely distributed.

• The Chairman further commented that information on community car schemes would benefit from being circulated in Members’ Point Brief or through other avenues such as Lincs Digital.

• A Member queried where information on community transport was detailed on a website.  In response, the Community Transport Officer, LCVS advised Members that information was available as part of the LCVS website directory and that additional support could be provided to those wishing to access the service.

• A Member queried whether the community transport services listed in the presentation could assist local community groups.  In response, the Community Transport Officer, LCVS advised Members that some of the providers, such as Hope House Mini Bus may be able to assist with group transport.

No further comments or questions were received.

The Chairman thanked Rachel Gmajner, Community Transport Officer, LCVS and Dr Batul Dungarwalla, Strategic Lead – Thriving Communities and Inclusive Growth, LCVS for their informative update.

N.B Rachel Gmajner, Community Transport Officer, LCVS and Dr Batul Dungarwalla, Strategic Lead – Thriving Communities and Inclusive Growth, LCVS left the Meeting at 11.28am.