Issue - meetings

Report of the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment

Cabinet Member:     Councillor Hoddinott

Commissioner:         Kenny (in advisory role)

Recommendations:

1.    That approval be given to carry out a consultation on all aspects of home to school transport in Rotherham. 

2.    That a further report be submitted to the Cabinet meeting in December 2017 detailing the outcome of the consultation exercise and presenting the recommended policy options for approval. 

Consideration was given to the report which sought approval to carry out consultation on the Home to School Transport Policy for Rotherham, including post-16 students and children with Special Educational Needs or Disability (SEND). A number of policy options were put forward for consultation including:-

·                To develop and promote Independent Travel Training as a central service in Rotherham and apply it in particular at transitional stages (e.g. the Year 6 to Year 7 transfer).

·                To consider whether to make transport support dependent on the parents/carers agreeing to an assessment of the young person’s suitability for Independent Travel Training.

·                To consider whether the Council should offer and promote alternative options to compliment transport arrangements, such as bicycle loans or grants, walking buses and bus passes.

It was proposed to report back to Cabinet with the results at the December, 2017 Cabinet Meeting as it was recognised that some children would not be suitable for some of the policy options, but this would be considered in full following the consultation period.

The Council was currently facing significant financial challenges as a consequence of Central Government’s austerity measures and grant funding reductions. The Council’s Financial Strategy required the identification of significant savings across the provision of services.

The report had been considered by the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board at its meeting on the 6^th September, 2017 and the Chairman reported the Board were generally in support, but asked that any proposals for change to the policy be resubmitted back to the Board prior to its submission to Cabinet for decision.

Resolved:-  (1)  That approval be given to carry out a consultation on all aspects of home to school transport in Rotherham. 

(2)  That a further report be submitted to the Cabinet meeting in December 2017 detailing the outcome of the consultation exercise and presenting the recommended policy options for approval. 

(3)  That any proposals for change to the policy for Home to School Transport be submitted to the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board for consideration prior to submission of the report to the Cabinet for decision.

Consideration was given to the report which sought approval to carry out consultation on all aspects of home to school transport in Rotherham.

The Council has a statutory duty under various Acts and Guidance to provide education transport to eligible students. Home to School Transport in Rotherham takes two main forms; the issue of passes on service buses and direct travel assistance. The Council spends approximately £3.3m per annum for 1,795 children and young people.

The report outlined benchmarking information with comparable unitary and city councils which identified that Rotherham is in the upper quartile of cost comparators, spending an average per student of £4,260. Rotherham also had the highest number of single occupancy journeys.

Based on increasing school population and number of children and young people with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP) , it is anticipated that greater numbers of students will require transport to support attendance for educational provision.  This raises the possibility of potential increased transport costs in the future.

In considering any changes to services, the Policy must contribute to the Council’s priority of ensuring every child has the best start in life and the following principles:

·           Safeguarding

·           Promoting independence

·           Choice

·           Maximising attendance at school and arriving at school reading to learn

·           Promoting healthy lifestyles

·           Value for money and sustainability

The proposals outlined the following options for consultation:

·           General eligibility for children and young people

·           Independent travel training

·           Personal travel budgets

·           Post 16 transport policies

·           Benefits related to mobility

Consultation would be undertaken with parents and carers; children and young people, schools, the Rotherham Parents Forum and other relevant stakeholders.

Discussion ensued on the report with the following issues raised/clarified:-

Support was given to the principle of independent travel training as a way of promoting independence and developing life skills. Assurances were sought that the independent travel training assessment reflects that level of support that the student requires based on their EHCP and in discussion with parents/carers and relevant agencies. Increasing numbers of local authorities are exploring the option of independent travel training and the use of  third sector organisations to support this training was being explored;

Consultation will take place across transport providers including taxi-providers to seek views.

Parent/carers would also be consulted on the use of elements of Disability Living Allowances or mobility vehicles to encourage families to take their child to school. There would be a number of children and young people whose travel arrangements would remain unchanged, however, the intention would be that the Policy would lead to greater choice and flexibility.

Resolved:-

1.      That Cabinet be advised that the following recommendations be supported:-

·         That approval be given to carry out a consultation on all aspects of Home to School Transport in Rotherham;

·         That a further report be submitted to the Cabinet meeting in December 2017 detailing the outcome of the consultation exercise and presenting the recommended Policy options for approval.

2.     That the proposals for changes to the Policy for Home to School Transport be submitted to this  ...  view the full minutes text for item 36