Issue - meetings

(Mr. B. L. Pain CC, having declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in the matter, left the meeting whilst this item was considered).

The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Environment and Transport which sought the Cabinet’s approval to consult on proposed changes to the Special Educational Needs Transport Policy and the Mainstream Home to School Transport Policy so far as they relate to non-compulsory school age children. A copy of the report, marked ‘10’, is filed with these minutes.

Members noted comments received from Mr Max Hunt CC and the Liberal Democrat Group, copies of which are filed with these minutes.

Mr. Rushton CC reminded members that Phil Crossland, the Director of Environment and Transport, would be retiring shortly and on behalf of the Cabinet, thanked him for all his work with the County Council and wished him a long and happy retirement.

In relation to the proposal to reduce the Council’s discretionary element of transport provision for children not of statutory school age, Mrs. Posnett CC said that such a decision would not be taken lightly and she welcomed the proposed consultation exercise which would allow service users to share their views and ideas.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the proposed changes to the Special Educational Needs Transport Policy and the Mainstream Home to School Transport Policy as set out in paragraphs 22 to 24 of the report, be approved for consultation, including any low income contribution;

(b)       That a further report be submitted to the Cabinet in spring 2018 regarding the outcome of the consultation and presenting the final revised Policies for approval.

(KEY DECISION)

REASON FOR DECISION:

Significant growth pressures on the Council’s Special Educational Needs (SEN) transport budget mean that a review of the discretionary element of transport provision for children not of statutory school age is required to ensure future expenditure on this Service can be contained within the funding available.

(Mr. Pain CC then returned to the meeting).