The Motion, as printed in the agenda was proposed by Councillor Watson and seconded by Councillor Muldowney. The Motion read as follows:

Thurrock Council notes with concern the news that the Department for Transport and the 13 train operating companies it manages have announced plans to close almost all staffed ticket offices in England, totalling nearly 1000, following changes to the Government’s guidance relating to ticket office opening hours and operation. Statutory Consultations began on 5th July and will close on 26th July. Thurrock Council believes that ticket offices provide a vital service to residents using the stations at Stanford le Hope, Ockendon, Purfleet, Tilbury and East Tilbury and support passenger safety, security and accessibility. Having a central place in the station for people requiring advice and assistance provides certainty and confidence for customers who may struggle to otherwise locate station staff and also acts as a point of safety for passengers. At many stations, access to facilities such as toilets and waiting rooms is reliant on ticket office staff. Thurrock Council is concerned the closure of ticket offices will disproportionately affect disabled, deaf and older residents in Thurrock – as well as those with poor literacy and IT skills or on lower incomes. Council also notes the possible implications for current station staff and believes that the closure of ticket offices could lead to a de-staffing of rail stations.

Council therefore resolves to:

•         Instruct the Managing Director/Chief Executive to write to the Secretary of State for Transport, expressing Thurrock Council’s opposition to the possible closure of staffed rail ticket offices – and in particular the tickets offices at Ockendon, East Tilbury, Tilbury, Stanford Le Hope and Purfleet on Thames.

•         Instruct the Managing Director/Chief Executive to write to C2C expressing the Council’s opposition to any plans to close the staffed ticket offices at those stations.

Councillor Watson presented the motion by stating those services were vital to Thurrock residents, especially those that were vulnerable. Councillor Watson urging all to complete the consultation which had been extended to September.

An amendment to this motion had been received from Councillor B Maney and seconded by Councillor Halden and read as follows:

Thurrock Council notes the news that the Department for Transport and the 13 train operating companies it manages have announced plans to close almost all staffed ticket offices in England, totalling nearly 1000, following changes to the Government’s guidance relating to ticket office opening hours and operation. Thurrock Council believes that ticket offices can provide an important service to some residents using the stations at Stanford le Hope, Ockendon, Purfleet, Tilbury and East Tilbury and support passenger safety, security and accessibility. Having staff who can offer advice and assistance provides certainty and confidence for some customers. At many stations, access to facilities such as toilets and waiting rooms is reliant on the presence of staff. Thurrock Council should therefore seek assurances that the closure of ticket offices will not disproportionately affect vulnerable residents including the disabled, deaf or older people, as well as those with poor literacy and IT skills or on lower incomes. Members also note the falling numbers of passengers who purchase tickets from staffed ticket offices. We further note that the plans announced include moving staff out of ticket offices and onto platforms and public areas in order to provide enhanced ‘customer help’ roles.

This chamber:

·     Requests that the leader of the council write to the Secretary of State for Transport and c2c in order to seek assurances over the impact of possible closures of staffed rail ticket offices and in particular the offices at Ockendon, East Tilbury, Tilbury, Stanford Le Hope and Purfleet.

·     Requests that the Planning, Transport and Regeneration Overview and Scrutiny Committee consider this matter at the soonest opportunity and assess the potential impact of staffed ticket office closures in Thurrock, making such representations to the Department for Transport and c2c as it deems necessary.

Councillor B Maney presented the amended motion by stating Chafford Hundred should have been included in the list of stations. It was understandable that the announcement could be seen as controversial, such a move would result in a fundamental change for passengers, especially the elderly and vulnerable and they would need reassurances. It was right that members challenged C2C to ensure all the needs of residents were met and none were excluded. Councillor B Maney stated it was right to await the outcome of the consultation which had been extended to September and at the same time holding those behind the plans to account. The way rail tickets were purchased had changed dramatically with more people buying tickets on-line. It was noted that a number of Thurrock stations already ran a reduced facility with ticket offices closing early and stations being unmanned. Councillor B Maney recommended this item be brought to the Planning Transport and Regeneration Overview and Scrutiny Committee to be scrutinized and to invite C2C to present the proposed changes.

The following points were made:

·            Member noted as a wheelchair user he had no confidence in using rail services.

·            Members acknowledged the concern of disabled passengers, including visually impaired, blind and cane users.

·            The council had to make a stand and protect those most vulnerable.

·            Acknowledged a report, cross party, should be taken to the Planning Transport and Regeneration Overview and Scrutiny Committee to understand the basic demand within Thurrock and for a forensic study to be undertaken.

·            There needed to be an acknowledgement that staff at ticket offices do so much more on site to help customers.

·            Noted that SS17 residents had no station.

·            Consideration needed for those residents that did not use digital.

·            Members were here to support residents and not politically.

·            This was a short-sighted move; ticket office staff were there also to help travellers with ticket preferences.

·            Residents would be reassured having a ticket office open.

·            Following the consultation, further discussions and forums could take place.

The Mayor called a vote on the amended Motion. With 24 votes in favour, 19 votes against, and 3 abstained votes the Mayor announced the amended Motion carried.

The Mayor called a vote on the substantive motion to which members voted unanimously in favour; the Mayor announced the substantive motion carried.