D&G Council agree to allocate £45k to Community Transport

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Dumfries and Galloway Council has agreed funding following the themes of the current Anti-Poverty Strategy Action Plan, the Local Outcomes Improvement Plan, and the recommendation of the Community Planning Partnership Board for the Council and NHS to fund the Public Social Partnership on community transport until such time as it is a sustainable social enterprise.

The Ad Hoc COVID-19 Sub Committee today agreed £45k for community transport to support people getting to health and social care appointments, develop the transport hub model, and develop employability through driver training.

Cllr Stephen Thompson, Annandale North, said:

“The COVID-19 Pandemic has brought priorities in to stark relief and I very much welcome today’s decision to commit financial support to community transport, especially at this time. I hope that the NHS, Third Sector, SWestrans and other key bodies come together to add weight to this support and strengthen community transport’s role across the region, as part of a wider Regional Transport Strategy.”

“I brought a Notice of Motion on finding a mechanism to support Community Transport to Dumfries and Galloway Council this time last year, and it’s unfortunate that it’s taken a global pandemic to bring this into focus, but I’m glad now that support is forthcoming.”