This in from the council in their own words. Ed
Residents are reminded that they have until July 4 to comment to proposed changes to school and college travel arrangements.
In order to make savings and to make school transport eligibility fairer for all, the council is considering proposals to remove discretionary free transport provision for those attending post-16 education and also ending the current arrangements that offer free travel for anyone attending faith schools who lives more than three miles away (two miles if a primary school).
Subsidy costs council £290,000
This subsidy for discretionary faith school travel currently costs the council £290,000. Savings made in this area will help relieve pressure on other budgets.
The elements of school travel that the council is withdrawing are those that are discretionary; in other words those which the council has a choice of whether to provide or not. All statutory travel requirements – such as that for families with assessed low financial means – will, of course, continue to be provided.
Though the council is committed to making these changes, the current consultation is about explaining more about what is proposed and also seeking views on the timescale over which the changes will take place.
Details of the proposals and how to make your views known can be found via the council website.
