Shetland Islands Council
Community Minibus
Asset Transfer
Info Pack
Contents
Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 1
Community Groups Usage Figures......................................................................................... 2
Burra and Trondra Community Minibus Information............................................................. 3
Whalsay Community Minibus Information ............................................................................ 4
Business Plan Template for Community Groups .................................................................... 5
Introduction
The Community Planning and Development Service (CP&D) has recently carried out a review
of the Community Minibus Service. The Council believes it is important that the community
minibus service remains in the community, and transport is recognised as a vital element of
ensuring we have active and inclusive communities. It can also provide much needed
income for groups.
Therefore, as a result of this review, CP&D has devised a plan which aims to remove the cost
of the service to the Council and in the process, empower communities, by offering them
the opportunity to develop their own community transport solutions.
The following data should provide you with relevant information to enable you to consider
whether acquiring this asset is an option for your organisation, and to then help you
complete your business template.
Financial information on the annual running costs of the minibuses incurred by the Council
has not been included. This is due to insurance requirements, including MiDAS training
sessions and the six-weekly maintenance costs, which are not applicable if run by
community groups.
A working group will be set up to consider group’s business plans, carry out the asset
transfer process, and thereafter decide which of the three minibuses is most appropriate for
your group’s needs. It is anticipated that the asset transfer process will be concluded by
March 2014.
It is anticipated that the vehicles will be sold at a fixed price of either £500 or £700 based on
the age of the minibus.
If you require more information please do not hesitate to contact Community Planning &
Development on 01595 743888.
1
Community Groups Usage Figures
Table1
Indicative usage statistics for the service from April 2012 to March 2013
MINIBUS
Total hires 2012/13
Central/Westside
MX56 XCH
166**
South
SV05 YTW*
72
North
SV08 FRO
75
Monthly Average
14
6
6.25
Total Mileage 2012/13
5005
3704
4022
Monthly Average
417
308
335
*NB: SV05 YTW has been retired since the spring of 2013 and replaced by a newer minibus
**NB: The main users of the minibus service has been the SIC Children’s Services. Table 2
below provides figures to show number of and percentage of Children’s Service hires.
Table 2
Break down of usage by SIC Children’s Services
MINIBUS
Total hires by Children’s
Services
% of total
Central/Westside
MX56 XCH
117
South
SV05 YTW*
49
North
SV08 FRO
41
70%
68%
55%
2
Burra and Trondra Community Minibus Information
Please find below the running costs of the Burra and Trondra Minibus for the financial year
(2011 - 12).

Income (Community Hires and a small grant from the community council):
£5662.67

Expenditure (Includes fuel, insurances, garage rent and minibus maintenance):
£3394.84
They hire out the community minibus at a charge of 55p per kilometre (i.e. 88.5p per mile)
and this also includes fuel.
3
Whalsay Community Minibus Information
Please find below the running costs of the Whalsay Minibus for the financial year (2012 - 13)

Income (includes hire and membership charges):
£3242.70

Expenditure (includes fuel, MOT/Tax, insurances, repair and minibus maintenance):
£2160.38
They hire out the community minibus at a charge of £1.00 per mile for members* and £1.20
for non members and this also includes fuel.
*The annual membership fee is £27.50, which helps the group with cash flow for paying for
annual costs.
Please Note
Both minibus groups have indicated that they carry out annual fundraising to build up funds
to go towards the purchase of a replacement minibus when the time comes.
4
Business Plan Template for Community Groups
Community Minibus Asset Transfer – Business Plan
Name of organisation:
Main contact name:
Position within organisation:
Address for correspondence:
Tel No home:
Mobile:
Email address:
What type of organisation are you?
(e.g. Community Council, community
development company, community group,
voluntary organisation, sports club etc.)
How long has your group existed?
___ Years ___ Months
Are you a constituted group?
Yes / No
Please briefly describe the main activities of
your organisation:
Do you have a bank account?
Yes / No
How many people have to sign a cheque or
withdrawal from this account:
Has this plan been approved by a
committee decision:
Yes / No
Office Bearers
Please provide details of your organisations main office bearers:
Name
Position in
organisation
Address
5
1. How many members or volunteers are connected with your organisation?
2. Please describe your operational plans for a community minibus service:
(Include details of you proposed charging scheme, your proposed maintenance regime, your vehicle
storage arrangements, any proposed driver training and outline how groups can book the minibus
through your organisation - maximum 400 words)
3. Please describe how you would make the service accessible to as wide a range of users
in your community as possible:
(Include details of existing user groups you have already identified, the geographical area you intend to
cover, how you will market your community minibus service and how you will ensure that the minibus is
accessible to groups and individuals in your area - maximum 400 words)
4. Please outline below your vision for community transport in your area:
If you were successful in obtaining one of these mini buses, how would you put it to best use in the
community as well as meeting your own transport needs maximum 400 words)
6
5. Financial Position
In the table below please provide details of your organisation’s financial position at year
end for the last three years, starting with your most recent annual accounts:
Financial Year
Income
Expenditure
Net
Reserves
6. Certification
I endorse this plan and confirm it has been authorised by the organisation named in
Question 1:
Signature
(main contact from Question 2)
Print Name
Position
Date
Home tel no
Mobile no
This plan must be countersigned by an authorised representative of your organisation: (e.g.
Treasurer, Secretary, or Chair) other than the main contact above:
Signature
(second signatory)
Print Name
Position
Date
Home tel no
Mobile no
7