Council redesigning delivery of its transport services

Cheshire East Council has announced it is redesigning the way in which it delivers transport services.

Over the last three years, the council has been undertaking an extensive review of each of its wholly-owned companies.

Following the latest stage of that review, the strategic, planning, commissioning and procurement functions of the services previously provided by the council’s transport company, Transport Service Solutions (TSS), are to be brought back in-house and delivered directly by Cheshire East Council.

In addition, the operational delivery functions of the company are proposed to be delivered by another of the council’s existing wholly-owned companies, Ansa.

Subject to a formal consultation process, the new working arrangements will be introduced on 1 April 2022, with  TSS staff members transferred to join the council’s existing teams, or to Ansa.

Frank Jordan, executive director – place and deputy chief executive at Cheshire East Council, said: “Like any large organisation and in light of increasing financial pressures, it is right that we regularly and rigorously assess how the services we deliver to our residents can be best driven forward.

“We must also consider the ever-changing environment in which we are delivering services, as well as the current strategic objectives of the council and our future ambitions, as outlined in our Corporate Plan.

“This new approach to our transport services will allow them to develop in the best and most effective way and ensure that customers and partners remain at the heart of this.

“It will also provide additional capacity to support the council in the delivery of our sustainable and active travel programmes.”

He added: “Since it was established, there have been many achievements made by TSS and we recognise that  TSS staff will bring with them a great deal of knowledge and experience of having operated in a commercial environment, which will be invaluable going forward.”