CHARITY leaders have said that Hampshire County Council’s plans to cut the budget for community transport will have a “devastating” impact on vulnerable people.

Community First believes the proposed withdrawal of funding for community transport services in Winchester such as its Connect Dial-a-ride service, will leave people isolated.

The company which supports the community and voluntary sector has launched a campaign, ‘Save our Community Transport Service’, urging users to contact their county councillors and MPs to prevent the cuts.

Community First operates in seven of Hampshire's 11 districts carrying 85,000 passenger journeys annually on its 'Connect' (Dial A Ride and Call and Go) services together with semi-scheduled routes serving rural and isolated communities and where public transport is limited.

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Connect Dial-a-Ride and Call and Go are bookable services, for anyone whose needs are not met by public transport services. Community First offers a door-to-door service for shopping and day trips.

The council currently invests £800,000 in community transport services, which would be cut in its entirety from 2025 if the proposals are agreed.

A public consultation was launched in June on the cuts which would be enforced from April 2025 but Community First believes it was not publicised enough.

Community First’s chief executive Tim Houghton said: “Travel habits have changed since the pandemic and services now reflect this, but the importance of social connectivity is undeniable and the cost of isolation impacting mental and physical wellbeing, would far outweigh any savings. 

“Our customers cannot afford to travel independently and often other options are unavailable particularly for those with physical disabilities. There is a shortage of accessible vehicles and we're a lifeline to 4,200 groups who hire buses for regular social trips and outings.

“Town and neighbourhood centres are struggling and community transport services provide are a vital link to shops and hospitality venues. 

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“Community transport services play a key role in helping vulnerable people access health appointments. Better consideration should be given to community health buses – a cost effective way of helping people access services and ultimately reducing demand on our critical and overstretched NHS and social care services."

In its budget proposal, the county council recognises that the withdrawal of provisions to community transport could lead to difficulty for vulnerable residents in accessing employment, education, and training, food shopping, leisure and healthcare opportunities.

A spokesperson for Hampshire County Council said: “For a long time now, we’ve been  very clear about the huge budget pressures facing the county council by April 2025, and like many local authorities nationally our budgets are stretched to breaking point.

"This is down to high inflation, years of underfunding from central government and growing demand for local services in areas like social care for vulnerable children and adults where more and more people need help and support.

“We predict a £132m budget shortfall by April 2025 and the county council’s cabinet and full council will be carefully considering a range of options over the coming weeks to help towards closing this funding gap, but regrettably this may mean some very tough decisions are needed on what the authority can and cannot continue to do in future.”  

To support the Save our Service campaign, Community First is encouraging residents to write a letter to their county councillor or MP, or share how they will be impacted by contacting support@cfirst.org.uk.