To enable Cabinet to consider a recommendation submitted to it by the Community Leadership Overview & Scrutiny Committee in relation to a presentation by the Stakeholder Engagement Lead for Konectbus, Charlie Poulter, together with the response of the Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism thereto.

 The presentation had given the Committee an overview of operational improvements, including enhanced punctuality and reliability statistics. It also outlined the Tendring BSIP grants and associated additional services, developments within the commercial network, progress on Park and Ride and Demand Responsive Transport initiatives and matters relating to socially necessary travel.

RESOLVED that the recommendations made by the Community Leadership Overview & Scrutiny Committee be noted, and that the response of the Economic Growth, Regeneration & Tourism Portfolio Holder thereto, be endorsed.

Cabinet was made aware that the Community Leadership Overview and Scrutiny Committee (“the Committee”), at its meeting held on 15 January 2026, had received a presentation by the Stakeholder Engagement Lead for Konectbus, Charlie Poulter. That presentation had provided Members with an overview of operational improvements, including enhanced punctuality and reliability statistics. It also outlined the Tendring BSIP grants and associated additional services, developments within the commercial network, progress on Park and Ride and Demand Responsive Transport initiatives and matters relating to socially necessary travel.

It was reported that, prior to the formal meeting of the Committee, an informal meeting had been held on 8 January 2026 when Members had prepared questions, upon which Officers had drafted responses ahead of the formal meeting. Further supplementary questions had been put at the formal meeting to the Stakeholder Engagement Lead for Konectbus which had provided Members with a greater understanding on key priorities across Tendring, the understanding of bus arrival times and subsequent improvements and Konectbus’ plans on collaborative working on the approach to Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).

Cabinet was informed that the Leader of the Council had met with representatives from Konectbus on two occasions, once late last year (2025) and once in January 2026. The first meeting had had other Clacton ward councillors attending from various parties, and the second meeting had been a follow up.

The Committee had duly resolved that it:-

1)   “urges Cabinet to press Konectbus for solutions to ensure that bus services between such as Harwich, Walton-on-the-Naze and Clacton-on-Sea and Colchester include the Colchester Institute site to facilitate skills development for those with limited ability to otherwise access the Institute from across Tendring, and in addition, to improve access to school sites across the District; and

2)   reemphasises the desirability of prioritising gaining developer contributions for new bus routes in the delivery of the revised local plan.”

Both of those resolutions were pertinent to the Cabinet.

Cabinet had before it the following formal response thereto submitted by the Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Regeneration & Tourism, which was read out at the meeting by the Leader of the Council:-

“I support the Committee’s resolution urging Cabinet to continue pressing Konectbus for solutions to improve public transport connectivity between Harwich, Walton on the Naze, Clacton on Sea and Colchester, specifically to ensure that services include the Colchester Institute site. Reliable access to further education is essential for strengthening Tendring’s skills base, especially for residents who have limited ability to travel independently. Improved access to our District’s school sites is equally important as we work to support attendance and safeguard young people. Improving these connections aligns directly with our wider economic and social objectives, including reducing inequality and improving pathways into higher-value employment.

As part of this, it is increasingly important that bus and rail timetables are properly integrated, ensuring smooth and reliable connections for residents. Effective timetable coordination reduces waiting times, improves overall journey confidence, and enhances access to education, employment and healthcare across the District. In addition, the case for securing two trains per hour from Clacton throughout the day, rising to three trains per hour at peak times, remains a critical factor in supporting both economic growth and social mobility. More frequent and reliable rail services would significantly improve Tendring’s connectivity to major employment centres and further education opportunities, making the District more attractive to businesses and investors.

Although we are not a Transport Authority, I would also like to assure the Committee that work continues to raise awareness and look for solutions to the local transport issues we face. We work in partnership with Transport East and we have a strong relationship with the emerging Greater Essex Combined County Authority, taking the opportunity to highlight the importance of key transport investments in Tendring. In addition, the Council is writing to Charlie Poulton of Konectbus personally to support the Committee’s recommendations.

Developer Contributions for New Bus Routes

The Committee’s emphasis on prioritising developer contributions for new and enhanced bus routes within the revised Local Plan is both timely and well founded. As Tendring continues to grow, it is vital that sustainable transport is embedded from the outset of development. Securing contributions that support viable bus networks will help ensure that new communities are well connected, reduce car dependency, and promote equitable access to education, employment, and other essential services. I fully support this principle and will work with colleagues across Planning and Regeneration to strengthen our approach in this area.

Conclusion

Both recommendations align strongly with the Council’s strategic priorities for economic growth, inclusive skills development, and improved mobility across Tendring. I thank the Committee for its constructive input and will ensure these matters are given appropriate consideration as part of Cabinet’s ongoing engagement with transport partners and in the development of the revised Local Plan.”

Having considered the resolutions of the Community Leadership Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the formal response thereto of the Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Regeneration & Tourism:-

It was moved by Councillor Stephenson, seconded by Councillor Kotz and:-

RESOLVED that the recommendations made by the Community Leadership Overview & Scrutiny Committee be noted, and that the response of the Economic Growth, Regeneration & Tourism Portfolio Holder thereto, be endorsed.