Agenda item

7.1

The Executive Director, Children, Young People and Families submitted a report providing a summary of the responses to the consultation process on the proposal to withdraw the discretionary element of free transport that is currently approved for attendance at denominational schools with effect from September 2013. The report recommended three options for consideration by the Cabinet

7.2

RESOLVED: That Cabinet agrees to withdraw all current provision for discretionary transport with effect from September 2013, including the withdrawal of passes for pupils who are currently in receipt of them under the current policy.

7.3

Reasons for Decision

7.3.1

The current provision to fund denominational transport is discretionary.  Under the current economic climate there is an urgent necessity to explore all areas of potential savings and efficiency.

7.3.2

The proposed change in policy would also ensure that all children are treated more equitably.  Under current arrangements a child may receive a free bus pass to attend a Catholic School even though that may not be their nearest school.  If a non-Catholic student wishes to attend an out of catchment area school that is beyond the statutory walking distance they are not provided with free transport.

7.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

7.4.1

The alternatives of (a) retaining the current funding of discretionary transport or (b) withdrawing current provision for funding discretionary transport on a phased basis commencing with entry to Reception and Year 7 in September 2013 and each subsequent year (under this option, pupils currently receiving a pass under discretionary criteria would continue to receive it until they finish at their current school) were rejected on the grounds of equity and the need to maximise savings within the Council’s budget

7.5

Any Interest Declared or Dispensation Granted

None

7.6

Reason for Exemption if Public/Press Excluded During Consideration

None

7.7

Respective Director Responsible for Implementation

Executive Director, Children, Young People and Families.

7.8

Relevant Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee If Decision Called In

Children, Young People and Family Support.

7.1

The Executive Director, Children, Young People and Families submitted a report providing a summary of the responses to the consultation process on the proposal to withdraw the discretionary element of free transport that is currently approved for attendance at denominational schools with effect from September 2013. The report recommended three options for consideration by the Cabinet

7.2

Petition

7.2.1

The Cabinet received and noted a petition submitted by Bishop John, Diocese of Hallam, containing 59 signatures against the removal of discretionary bus fares for those children who are attending Catholic schools.

7.3

ChrissyMeleady made the following comments to Cabinet on the effect of the recommendations in the report to remove the current provision for discretionary transport for attendance at denominational schools:-

• the withdrawal of such funding would have an impact on the most vulnerable children and families who found it difficult to fund transport costs,

• there had been inadequate consultation on the Equalities Impact Assessment carried out in connection with the proposal; and

• what arrangements were in place to mitigate the impact of any decision taken to cease the payment of the discretionary element of transport funding for travel to and from denominational schools.

7.4

Following the receipt of the above petition and representations Cabinet made the under-mentioned decision:-

7.5

RESOLVED: That Cabinet agrees to withdraw all current provision for discretionary transport with effect from September 2013, including the withdrawal of passes for pupils who are currently in receipt of them under the current policy.

7.6

Reasons for Decision

7.6.1

The current provision to fund denominational transport is discretionary.  Under the current economic climate there is an urgent necessity to explore all areas of potential savings and efficiency.

7.6.2

The proposed change in policy would also ensure that all children are treated more equitably.  Under current arrangements a child may receive a free bus pass to attend a Catholic School even though that may not be their nearest school.  If a non-Catholic student wishes to attend an out of catchment area school that is beyond the statutory walking distance they are not provided with free transport.

7.7

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

7.7.1

The alternatives of (a) retaining the current funding of discretionary transport or (b) withdrawing current provision for funding discretionary transport on a phased basis commencing with entry to Reception and Year 7 in September 2013 and each subsequent year (under this option, pupils currently receiving a pass under discretionary criteria would continue to receive it until they finish at their current school) were rejected on the grounds of equity and the need to maximise savings within the Council’s budget

7.8

Any Interest Declared or Dispensation Granted

None

7.9

Reason for Exemption if Public/Press Excluded During Consideration

None

7.10

Respective Director Responsible for Implementation

Executive Director, Children, Young People and Families.

7.11

Relevant Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee If Decision Called In

Children, Young People and Family Support.