Claire Young attended last week's Children and Young People's select committee to speak on the proposed removal of free school transport from Westerleigh to Pucklechurch. Officers confirmed that although the removal of free transport to denominational schools is intended to save money, they are not expecting significant savings from the changes to rural areas transport, instead it is about "equity". Claire queried the high admin figures being quoted for the discretionary fare scheme and asked for a breakdown of figures, as it would be terrible for families to be disrupted only for the council to end up spending more.
Claire made it clear that the starting point was not wanting the free transport to stop, but if it does the transitional arrangements need to be significantly beefed up, with free transport continuing for children already at the school. Parents may not have understood the intricacies of the legislation on school transport when choosing the school. She also queried whether the service could be guaranteed to run if some parents opted to make alternative arrangements. Officers said the Executive Member would consider all the responses to the consultation when making the decision, so if you are unhappy with the proposals, make sure you respond.
You have until 27th April to comment on the plans. You can do that online, email comments to SAPAdmin@southglos.gov.uk or write to Strategy, Access & Planning AdminDepartment for Children & Young People, PO Box 2082, Castle Street, Thornbury BS35 9BQ. Please let Claire know your views too.
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