Public Speaking Time/Open Session
A total period of 15 minutes is allocated for members of the public to make a statement(s) on any matter that falls within the remit of the Committee.
Individual members of the public may speak for up to 5 minutes, but the Chairman will decide how the period of time allocated for public speaking will be apportioned, where there are a number of speakers.
Note: In order for officers to undertake any background research, it would be helpful if members of the public notified the Scrutiny officer listed at the foot of the agenda, at least one working day before the meeting with brief details of the matter to be covered.
Minutes:
Mr. McHugh, Headteacher at St. Thomas More RC High School, attended to comment on item 5: Home to School Transport. He asserted that he felt the Task and Finish Group had not fully understood a faith based education as there was no recognition in the report that faith schools were different. He stated that he didn’t accept that attending a faith school was a choice, as it was more a way of life.
Mr. McHugh continued to argue that there was no compelling financial evidence in the report to justify removing the denominational subsidy as there were no comparative costings to back up assumed savings. He welcomed the recommendation to devolve the transport budget to schools but suggested that this should be done through a pilot to test whether or not it would be successful. He also noted that schools would need help and assistance from the Council if such a scheme was to prove a success. As a final point, Mr. McHugh commended the Minority Report to the Committee.
Mr. Fagan a parent of a disabled boy who once was in receipt of services at Priors Hill, attended to comment on item 7: Disabled Respite Care. Mr. Fagan explained that he attended a meeting of the Children and Families Scrutiny Committee in the previous year about his concerns around the closure of the Langley Unit in Priors Hill. He wished to note that the alternative arrangements that had been made by the officers of the Council had been highly satisfactory and that he thanked them for this. He continued to draw attention to SEN transport which was referred to in item 5 in order to add a parental perspective. He explained that his child used to get a personal taxi but now had access to a shared mini bus which was difficult to use. He acknowledged therefore that whilst taxis were not always appropriate, the Council should be aware of going from one extreme to another.
Representatives from Ruby’s Fund attended. They explained that the mission of Ruby’s Fund was to open a multi-sensory studio for those with additional needs in Congleton. It was noted that the initiative had been highly successful but that they were impeded with opening the studio by the lack of a suitable premises. Congleton Business Centre had been identified as an ideal location but the fund had been disappointed to learn that it was to be sold by the Council. The Committee was asked therefore whether any help could be provided for their cause. Councillor Hilda Gaddum suggested that she met the representatives outside of the meeting to discuss the issue in more detail.