Issue - meetings

1.     To note the Gateway 5 Review report and approve the implementation of the respective recommendations subject to resources

2.     To continue with the mediation process

3.     Alongside this to provide where resources allow:

·       A financial analysis of the costs of keeping Floating Bridge 6 over the potential 25-year lifetime of the vessel compared with the previous profit-making FB5 and a potential new, well-performing FB7.  This would include a detailed assessment of an alternative (new) vessel provision, with a forecast, before any further assessment of whether Floating Bridge 6 can sustainably continue to operate.

·       An economic impact assessment of Floating Bridge 6, reviewing impact on local businesses including shops and mobile businesses as well economic depressors such as traffic, reviewing past, current, and potential future damage

·       A clear set of performance requirements for the Floating Bridge service, based upon the previous Floating Bridge 5’s performance in its best (peak) years as minimum standards for what is necessary for a good service which successfully helps the economy and is financially viable, in terms of frequency of crossings, availability, accessibility, efficiency, affordability and determine if Floating Bridge 6 can meet those requirements.

4.     To provide a further report to Cabinet upon the completion of legal mediation process and provide progress on the delivery of the recommendations within the Gateway review. In addition to make recommendations for further considerations and actions in terms of the existing FB6 vessel when considered against the viability of alternatives, such as a replacement vessel.

This independent report which had been requested by the SLEP 15 months ago was welcomed by the Cabinet. Mediation had been agreed to take place on 2 March 2022. A further report would come back to Cabinet following the mediation process and would make recommendations as to the future viability of FB6, along with any further actions. It was hoped for an agreeable settlement.

The had been no comment from the Corporate Scrutiny Committee.

Consideration was given to the report which sought the Cabinet’s approval to note the Gateway 5 Review, to implement the recommendations, and continue the mediation process. Discussion took place regarding the estimated timeframes for resolution and the progress with the mediation process.

RESOLVED:

THAT the recommendations be noted.