Issue - meetings

For the Select Committee to pre-scrutinise the proposed changes to the Post 16 Transport Policy Statement 2020. 

The Committee received, for pre-scrutiny, a report on proposed changes to the Post-16 Transport Policy Statement 2020 (Item 8 in the Minute Book).  These proposed changes were due to the considered by the Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services and Young People at her Decision Day that afternoon.

A personal interest was declared by Councillor Wayne Irish at this point in proceedings as a school governor. 

The report was introduced by the Director of Children’s Services and the statutory duty of Home to School Transport and the post-16 policy was explained.  It was noted that due to legal challenges to the post-16 policy, this had been amended and was now being brought back for a decision.  The Director highlighted that the policy had been through a consultation process, as well as examination by legal advisors and QC and amended accordingly.

The Director also drew Members attention to the savings target which was now significantly reduced, primarily due to the way that young people over 18 years are considered, having previously been in the remit of adult social care. 

In response to questions, Members heard:

·         That legally, the Council had to have a current policy in place to meet statutory requirements.

·         That the Government position would need to be followed, but there could be issues in September in terms of transport timings and ‘bubbles’.

·         That further guidance would be announced from the Government in terms of Covid and Home to School Transport, and adaptions would be made in accordance with this guidance.

·         That legal advisors to the Council were satisfied that the policy had addressed all legal points.

·         That the policy could not be delayed because of Covid, as it was a legal requirement to ensure a current policy was in place.

An additional recommendation was proposed by Councillor Jackie Porter and seconded by Councillor Gavin James:

‘That the Children and Young People Select Committee receive an update on the effects of the new Policy within six months.’

A vote was held, and this recommendation was agreed by the majority of Members.

A vote was held on the recommendation to the Executive Lead Member as detailed on Page 1 of the front cover report to Item 8, and this was agreed by the majority of Members.

RESOLVED:

a)  That the Children and Young People Select Committee receive an update on the effects of the new Policy within six months.

b)  That the Children and Young People Select Committee consider and support the recommendations being proposed to the Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services and Young People in Paragraphs two and three of the attached report.