Issue - meetings

To consider a report on the Review of Home to School Transport.

Following the mid-point meeting held on 15 March 2011, Members requested that the report on Home to School Transport be brought back to the Committee so that further and more detailed questions could be asked.

As the report had already been reviewed and explained, Fintan Bradley suggested that it might be more germane if the Committee received the presentation that had been given at the consultation events.

In going through the presentation, the context behind the changes to the home to school transport charges was explained. It was reported that whilst Cheshire East wanted to provide as good a service as it possibly could, the financial pressures that all local authorities were facing meant that money had to be saved and therefore changes were necessary.

It was explained that making the changes required would have an impact on a number of parties. Most affected would be those using transport to attend denominational schools and those in post 16 education (including students with SEN).

It was stressed that the Portfolio Holder was taking any change to the current policy very seriously and as a result had ensured that a comprehensive consultation process had been put in place. It was reported that consultations had begun through four sessions which 72 people had attended and through an online survey which to date had 333 completed surveys. It was also noted that the respective website had also received 1200 hits and that the service had received a large number of written letters and emails.

In providing a summary of the consultation responses so far, it was explained that whilst most people understood the reasons behind the proposed changes, many did not agree with them. Much of the opposition was coming from those involved in faith schools or from those parents with children with disabilities. There were also concerns expressed from parents in rural areas and those who had children in schools a considerable distance apart. All of these groups had highlighted that the proposed changes would place an additional financial burden on them and that this would reduce the choice of schools available to them. Attention was also drawn to those in post 16 education who were also losing the Education Maintenance Allowance. It was noted that this group, and in particular those with SEN would be seriously affected.

Prior to opening the session up to questions, the Chairman noted that whilst this was an opportunity for people to offer their opinions for consideration as part of the consultation process, Members would also be able to offer their opinions as individuals in line with the mainstream consultation methods. It was also suggested that the respective officers could produce a report on the consultation results to bring to the next meeting of the Committee. It was noted that by doing this Members would be able to offer their views on the proposed changes from a more informed position.

A number of general concerns were expressed over the proposed changes. There was a particular worry  ...  view the full minutes text for item 47