This in from the council, in their own words. Ed
Parents and pupils are being given more time to share their views on the timetable for the introduction of changes to discretionary home-to-school and home-to-college travel arrangements.
After a series of meetings with parents and pupils, the council has agreed to extend the consultation period for a further two weeks to 18 July to enable those who have not yet taken part to share their views.
Review of transport provision arrangements
The IW Council is one of many local authorities across the country reviewing its home-to-school and post-16 transport provision arrangements in the light of budget pressures.
The changes, which would not affect those legally entitled to support, would make access to free home-to-school travel more equitable for pupils from across the Island and, depending on which changes are made, enable the council to realise savings of up to £900,000 in a full year.
Plans to remove free travel to faith schools
The council is planning to remove free transport provision for those attending post-16 education and also ending the current arrangements that offer discretionary free travel for those attending primary and secondary faith schools which is more than that offered to pupils attending other schools.
For secondary school pupils this includes those who live within three miles of their catchment area school and who choose instead to attend Christ the King College. Pupils from low income families will still be eligible for the free transport to faith schools. For post-16 students, schools and colleges will have funds to give as grants for those who may have financial difficulties in meeting travel costs.
Providing residents a chance to share views
Whilst the council is under no obligation to provide this discretionary support, the council is giving residents an opportunity to make representations about the planned changes and is seeking their views on the options for when these changes might be introduced.
The council’s cabinet will make a decision on how to proceed when it considers a report on the outcome of the consultation process (taking into account all representations received) at its meeting on 16 August. All interested parties are encouraged to respond during the extended consultation period so all views – including narrative comments – can be fully considered.
Image: David Hayes under CC BY 2.0
