Purpose

Approval of policy document

Content

RESOLVED
 
KEY DECISION
 
That
the Executive approved the revised Post 16 Policy for Home to
School Transport for publication.

 
Reasons for Recommendation: To ensure that statutory obligations
are fulfilled by the publishing of a Post 16 Policy for Home to
School Transport in line with legislation. The policy currently
before the Executive takes into account the changes previously
approved for pupils of statutory school age and the legislation and
guidance specifically relating to education transport for Post 16
students.

 
Alternative Options
Considered:
 

Do nothing: Failure to adopt a revised
policy would result in the current policy being de facto adopted,
leading to a two-tier charging system for discretionary seats as
well as confusion over entitlement to and availability of services
at the transition between Statutory School age and Post 16
services.  In addition, failure to adopt
the revised charging system would result in the Council being
required to continue to subsidise Post 16 transport at its current
rate, rather than recouping a higher proportion of the actual cost
from service users, which will lead to budgetary
pressures.
 
Refer the draft policy
back for further revision:  If the Executive prefer not to approve the policy
as drafted, they may make recommendations as to any alterations
they may require.  Members are requested
to be mindful of the statutory requirement to publish the final
version of the policy before the end of May 2024 and the timelines
for re-presentation of the policy at Executive for
approval.  Failure to approve the final
version within this timeframe will result in the current policy
being de facto adopted for the coming academic year with the same
outcomes as Do Nothing. If this option is adopted it is therefore
recommended that Members give delegated powers to the Executive
Member for Highways, Travel and Assets and the Executive Director
of Place and Economy to authorise and approve the final draft,
without the need to return to Executive.