Decision details

Review of Home to Mainstream School Transport Policy

Decision Maker: Executive Scrutiny Committee

Decision status: Recommendations approved

Is Key decision?: Yes

Purpose:

On 10 October 2013, the Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools gave permission for a public consultation exercise to be completed on proposed changes to the discretionary (non-statutory) home to mainstream school transport policy.  This report presents the results of the consultation exercise and makes recommendations for determination.

 

This is deemed to be a Key Decision and Standing Order 25 has been complied with.

 

Decisions:

The Committee considered a report setting out a number of proposals in relation to changes to the discretionary (non-statutory) home to mainstream schools transport policy, following a period of consultation. It was reported that the spend on this area was £8.5m in 2012/13, which was all discretionary. It was recognised that the decisions would be controversial, and that many responses had been received, largely disagreeing with the proposals as they related to transport to faith schools.

 

The role of the Student Support Appeals committee in ensuring that members were involved in considering appeals from parents was noted, although some concerns were raised about the timescales for appeals, especially in cases of short term need.  

 

Resolved:That the recommendations to be presented to the Cabinet Member be confirmed without amendment or modification, with the exception of recommendation ii), where the proposal for the withdrawal of transport assistance where a child is temporarily unable to walk to school due to a temporary medical incapacity was not supported by the Committee.

 

 

Reason Key: Significant effect in 2 or more electoral divisions;

Divisions Affected: (All Divisions);

Contact: Phil Huddart Email: phil.huddart@lancashire.gov.uk Tel: 01772 531878.

Date of decision: 04/02/2014

Decided at meeting: 04/02/2014 - Executive Scrutiny Committee

Accompanying Documents: