Agenda

To consider any questions from members of the public under Procedure Rule 12.

To consider any Motions received under Procedure Rule 10. One Motion has been received as follows:

A key priority of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council is in tackling digital exclusion and social isolation.  This Council therefore notes with dismay, the recent announcement of proposals for hundreds of  train station ticket offices to close.  These include nearby stations such as Preston (a main-line station with over 4 million passenger movements in 2021-22), Accrington and Burnley – all of which will be used by Blackburn with Darwen residents.

Not only do our railways provide a vital service in ensuring that our residents and communities stay connected, but they also form a key element of the climate change strategy.

Government’s role should therefore be to encourage rail use and this announcement contradicts statements in support of increasing rail travel.

The provision of ticket offices is vital in ensuring that those not in a position to purchase tickets online or via machines – a fifth of all passengers, most certainly to include some of the most vulnerable members of society, including the elderly and those with learning difficulties  – are able to do so and it is inevitable that many passengers will stop using trains if they are not able to continue booking tickets at ticket offices.  This will be yet another lifeline cut off for potentially millions of individuals around the country.

This Council therefore condemns the recent announcement of ticket office closures and requests that our Chief Executive and Leader raise these concerns with the Secretary of State for transport and our local Members of Parliament.

Moved by Cllr Damian Talbot; Seconded by Cllr Brian Taylor.

Link to Updated Constitution July 2023:

ConstitutionJuly2023MasterCopy.docx.pdf (blackburn.gov.uk)

To consider any questions received from Members under Procedure Rule 11.