Decision details

(Councillors R Domleo and S Corcoran had each declared a personal interest in this item.)

Consideration was given to proposed changes to the Home School Transport Policy.  The Portfolio Holder for Children and Family Services thanked the public speakers for their questions, statements and representations.  A detailed resume was given of the process followed to date, of changes to the draft proposals that had been made in the light of responses and representations received during the consultation period, and of the proposals now made. Option 1 of the report was moved and seconded.

A number of Councillors in attendance spoke on the implications of the proposals for pupils and their families, for schools, and for the Home to School budget if the proposed changes were not implemented.

The Chairman adjourned the Cabinet meeting at this stage and left the room in order to discuss the matter further with the Portfolio Holder, the Chief Executive, the Borough Solicitor, the Borough Treasurer and the Director of Children and Family Services. 

The meeting reconvened and the Chairman announced that having considered the representations made and the discussions so far it was now proposed to: -

1.      Withdraw the motion to implement Option 1 of the report, and to reconsider the position again in one year’s time.  During the intervening period all available options would be thoroughly investigated with the assistance of the Scrutiny Committees, taking due consideration of the need to continue to provide a stable education system.

2.      That for the educational year 2011 – 2012 the parental contribution for denominational transport be raised by 5% to reflect the current rate of inflation. 

RESOLVED

1.      That the motion to implement Option 1 of the report be withdrawn and that the position be reconsidered in one year’s time.  During the intervening period all available options would be thoroughly investigated with the assistance of the Scrutiny Committees, taking due consideration of the need to continue to provide a stable education system.

2.      That for the educational year 2011 – 2012 the parental contribution for denominational transport be raised by 5% to reflect the current rate of inflation. 

Councillor W Fitzgerald left the meeting and Councillor R Domleo took the chair for the remainder of the items on the agenda.