Following a three-year review of Cheshire East’s wholly-owned companies, the council has announced plans to redesign how transport services are delivered.
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. TSS’s operational delivery functions are proposed to be delivered by the Ansa, the council’s environmental services company.
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.”
Mr Jordan also acknowledged the experience and achievements of TSS staff, adding:
“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.”