Issue - meetings

Cabinet considered a report following the consultation on the proposal made by Full Council at its meeting on 14 February 2019 to cease funding for services where no pupils statutorily entitled to free school transport had travelled on a contracted school bus for two years, and where season ticket revenue did not cover the cost of the contract to operate the service. 

The importance of working closely with schools and service providers on the delivery of this proposal and any future bus services that fall into the same category was emphasised.

Resolved: That

  i.  the findings of the consultation be noted.

  ii.  the implementation of the proposed procedure to cease funding for services that do not carry pupils statutorily entitled to transport assistance to school be approved.

  iii.  officers be authorised to engage with representatives of schools affected to explore opportunities to maintain services in accordance with procedure. 

  iv.  In future, should existing schools transport services / routes become "at risk",  the principle of engaging with representatives of any schools affected to explore opportunities to maintain services in accordance with this procedure should be taken

  v.  The Executive Director of Education and Children's Services takes the opportunity to meet with the schools impacted to assure herself that the implementation of the required planning is taking place.