Consideration was given to reviewing the Councils policy in respect of the availability of routes to be walked to school, an updated copy of which was attached. The existing policy had been adopted as a legacy policy from Cheshire County Council and been in existence for approx 25 years. In addition it was reported that as a result of a recent Local Ombudsman case in the East Midlands most authorities were now in the process of re examining the approach to their policies and working practices.
As a result of changes in the last 25 years to the highway, footpath and public right of way network it was expected that there would be a balance of a substantial number of children who would no longer be entitled to transport and also some who would become newly entitled. In response to a request from the Children and Families Scrutiny Committee it was agreed that ward members be notified of forthcoming reassessments and the outcome.
RESOLVED
1. That approval be given to the policy for the assessment of walked routes to school.
2. That it be noted that this will trigger a process of reassessment with potential impacts on entitlement to transport at taxpayer expense.