Council are asked to consider the following Motion on Notice from Councillors Wainwright, Williamson, T Wright, B Wright, Jeal and Martin :-
Council notes with concern the recent announcement that all 980 staffed ticket offices in England could be closed following discussions between the Department for Transport and the Rail Delivery Group, and changes to the Governments guidance relating to ticket office opening hours.
Council believes that ticket offices provide a vital service to residents in Great Yarmouth. Having a clearly sign-posted place in the station for people with ticket enquiries provides certainty and confidence for customers who may struggle to otherwise contact station staff.
Not all residents are able to use station ticket machines or have the means to book a ticket in advance. Complicated journeys involving connections are likely to require human assistance to ensure customers purchase the most appropriate and cheapest tickets, and do not incur penalties from mis-booked tickets.
Council is concerned the closure of tickets offices will disproportionately affect elderly and disabled residents in Great Yarmouth as well as those with poor literacy and IT skills. Council also notes that possible implications for current station staff and the concerns that have been raised over possible staff redundancies.
Council therefore resolves :
Instruct the Chief Executive to write to the secretary of State for Transport, and the Government Railways Minister, expressing Council's opposition to the closure of staffed rail ticket offices and in particular the office at Great Yarmouth.
Instruct the Chief Executive to write to Greater Anglia expressing the Council's opposition to any plans to close the staffed ticket office at Great Yarmouth.
Refer the matter to the Scrutiny Committee with the recommendation that representatives from Greater Anglia are invited to attend a Scrutiny Committee Meeting at the earliest possible point to discuss future plans at Great Yarmouth.