Issue - meetings

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.