Agenda item

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 about reducing the choice that parents and young people had in their selection of educational settings. It was also noted that a 20% in charges was a considerable amount of money and that this would be a significant burden to families, especially with more than one child.

A question was asked regarding what would happen to those children and young people who needed to go to a specialist school that was outside of the mileage range. It was confirmed that provision would still be available in such a case.

It was queried whether due thought had been given to those young people who attend post 16 education courses in Macclesfield but live in Congleton. It was reported that the service were aware of this issue and that it was being considered in the consultation process.

Reassurances were sought that parent’s paying for post 16 transport would not be subsidising transport for under 16’s. It was confirmed that this point would be considered and included in the report due to come to the next Committee.

Attention was drawn to the amount of pressure that the consultation process was putting on officer resources. It was also noted that the proposed changes could have a knock on effect of increasing the number of school appeals, putting extra pressure on officers and their time. It was suggested that this should be considered as part of the consultation process.

It was queried whether the impact on road congestion and the green agenda that the proposed changes could result in had been considered. It was confirmed that this had been considered and was forming a part of the consultation process.

In bringing the item to a close, the Chairman highlighted that there would be a number of unintended consequences as a result of the proposed changes, many of which had been noted in the ‘risk awareness’ section of the report. It was hoped that the officer would take the Committee’s comments into consideration as part of the consultation process. Furthermore, it was stated that the Committee would need to take a firm line when scrutinising the consultation results at the next meeting as this is a topic of considerable importance.

RESOLVED –

a)     That the Committee note the contents of the report

b)     That the Committee defer the recommendation to endorse, subject to any proposed changes to the policies being approved, that the Starting School and Transferring to Secondary School booklets be updated.

c)      That the Committee support the need to review the efficiency of the current home to school transport appeals process, due to be undertaken prior to any future policy changes taking effect.

d)     That the Committee endorse that a separate review of transport arrangements for cared for children in foster placements travelling to/from school be undertaken.

e)     That the Committee receive the full results from the consultation at the next meeting on 31 May 2011 to make further comment.