Agenda item

6.1

Verbal Appeals – AL/SA02 and AL/SA03

6.1.1

In attendance were the appellant and Tracey Reid (Customer Services).

6.1.2

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and asked attendees to introduce themselves.  He then outlined the procedure which would be followed during the meeting.

6.1.3

The Executive Director, People Services, submitted reports and commented upon two cases where the parent had appealed against the administrative decision made by the Executive Director with regard to the refusal to grant home to school travel bus passes (Case Nos.AL/SA02 and AL/SA03).

6.1.4

Tracey Reid explained the Stage 1 review and Stage 2 appeals process regarding the City Council’s Home to School Transport Policy.  Ms. Reid informed the Committee of the reasons why the request for a home to school travel pass had been refused at Stage 1.

6.1.5

The appellant explained to the Committee the reasons for the request for a home to school travel pass for her children.

6.1.6

In response to questions raised by Members, the appellant stated that she had been advised at the Citizens Advice Bureau that she was eligible to claim for free school meals and/or a home to school travel pass as she met the low income family criteria.  The appellant said that as far as she was concerned she had provided the correct information to Customer Services and that she had health issues which were being exacerbated by the distress caused to her.  The appellant said that she was employed under a zero hour’s contract.

6.1.7

At this stage in the proceedings, the Chair suggested that the hearing be suspended to allow the appellant provide the correct information to Customer Services.

6.1.8

RESOLVED: That a decision be deferred to allow the appellant to provide further information, and the Executive Director, People Services, in consultation with the Chair, be authorised to make a decision in the cases (Case Nos. AL/SA02 and AL/SA03).

6.2

Verbal Appeal – KI/EC01

6.2.1

The appellant had indicated that she wished to attend the hearing and present her case but she failed to attend.  After a reasonable time had elapsed, the Committee decided to consider the case in her absence.

6.2.2

The Executive Director, People Services, submitted a report and commented upon a case where the parent had appealed against the administrative decision made by the Executive Director with regard to the refusal to grant a home to school travel bus pass (Case No.KI/EC01).

6.2.3

The Committee gave consideration to all the supporting information and evidence provided by the pupil’s parent and, arising therefrom, it was:-

6.2.4

RESOLVED: That the appeal be not upheld on the grounds that there are no exceptional circumstances demonstrated and, having regard to the Council’s Home to School Transport Policy, the school that the pupil is requesting a pass for is less than the distance in the criteria (Case No.KI/EC01).