The Head of Operations – Community Services presented a report which sought Cabinet approval for proposals to meet the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) budget reduction requirement in respect of the operation of Bridgend Shopmobility Scheme.

The Head of Operations – Community Services provided background on the scheme and stated that it was operated by BCBC within the Brackla multi storey car park which lent a variety of mobility devices to members of the public with limited mobility. The facility was open from 08:30 to 17:00.

He explained that to utilise the scheme, customers were required to join the scheme ( which was currently free of charge ) and pay a deposit of £2 for the use of the apparatus. On return, customers were then able to request the £2 to be refunded to them but it was worth noting that the majority of customers were happy to donate the £2.

The Head of Operations – Community Services explained that the aim was to enable to scheme to be more self-sufficient and rely less on the subsidy from the Council. He advised Members on the current costs related to the scheme which were outlined at 4.2 of the report. There were a number of proposed changes to the scheme which were outlined detailed in 4.7 of the report, a summary is outlined below:

• Change the opening time from 08:30am – 5pm to 10am - 4pm
• Introduce a £5 annual registration fee
• Introduction of a £5 fee when equipment is hired
• Seek Grant Funding

The Head of Operations – Community Services explained that a consultation process was carried out whereby respondents were 48% in favour of exploring options of charging for the Shopmobility service. He stated, however, that 39% of the respondents were not in favour of the £5 hire charge and felt that it would prove unaffordable for the majority of users. In relation to opening times 80% of responses were not against such a proposal but 20% of responses did indicate that this may impact upon either early shopping or medical appointments.

He added that the views were taken into consideration and revised proposals were therefore offered which included the following:

• Amend the proposal of opening times from 10am until 4pm to   9:15am until 4pm providing an operational time from 51 hours to 40.5 hours.
• That the proposed charge of £5 be changed to £3. Based on 2018-19 usage, this would equate to a financial contribution of £12,168.

The Leader thanked the Head of Operations – Community Services for the report and said that consultation had proved very positive and engaging. The Cabinet Member Communities echoed the Leaders point and stated that the final proposals showed we listen to the public and valued their opinions and took the points they made on board.

The Cabinet Member Wellbeing and Future Generations agreed with these points and was pleased to see that the Equality Impact Assessment took into consideration the views of the service users.

He asked the Head of Operations – Community Services for clarity on the level of usage as the numbers appeared to have reduced.

The Head of Operations – Community Services stated that this was to be expected as wheelchairs and mobility scooters were becoming cheaper to buy and more easier to store e.g. in car boots etc., so  many people bought one outright for their overall convenience.

The Leader asked the Head of Operations – Community Services for a review of the revised scheme to see how the new changes have been implemented and their effect, in due course.

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:

1. approved the following proposals to meet the MTFS budget reductions requirement in respect of the operation of the Bridgend Shopmobility Scheme with implementation from 1st April 2020:

• Changes to the Shopmobility opening time from 08:30am – 5pm  to 09:15am – 4pm

• Introduction of an annual registration fee of £5, includes the first hire on renewal or new membership.  

• Introduction of a daily hire charge of £3

• Delegated authority is given to the Corporate Director for Communities to authorise future changes to the Bridgend Shopmobility service

Noted that Officers will continue to explore the opportunity for external grant funding to support the service.