Perth and Kinross Council minibuses being withdrawn from use to be offered to community groups

dailyrecord.co.uk:

As part of a new pilot, Perth and Kinross Council will pass on minibuses - at the end of their operational life but in a suitable condition - directly to community groups.Up to £50,000 has been allocated from the Anti-Poverty Measures Fund in earmarked reserves to support any necessary repairs for MOT purposes before transfer to local organisations.The policy was approved by Perth and Kinross Council's Finance and Resources Committee on Wednesday, September 18.PKC has 14 minibuses which are due to reach end of their operational life within council service this financial year; three of them have already been withdrawn from service.A report put before the council committee recommended a proposed working repair budget of up to £5000 per vehicle "with flexibility on a case by case basis as required".There will be a trial period to test the new arrangement with feedback sought from community groups after three months then again six months after the date of transfer.Moving the proposal for approval, SNP council leader Grant Laing said: "I think it is quite an innovative way to move forward to move surplus stock on to where it can be put to better use."This innovative approach will remove a barrier to groups, particularly those in rural areas, who may not otherwise have access to their own transport solution and help mitigate the issues being experienced in some of our communities around transport, poverty and social connectivity."Seconding the proposal, the committee's convener Strathearn SNP councillor Stewart Donaldson said: "It's going to be of benefit to a whole range of people across Perth and Kinross, especially in rural areas and smaller communities."Liberal Democrat councillor Peter Barrett and Independent councillor