Decision details

Report of the Cabinet Member for Aspiration, Schools and Lifelong Learning seeking approval of the proposed policy for Home to School Transport and Post-16 Travel Arrangements.

(i)  To consider the responses to the consultation exercise on revisions

to the Southampton City Council Home to School and Post-16 Transport Policy 2018/19 Academic Year.

(ii)  To approve the policy, noting amendments in response to consultation feedback and updated national guidance.

(iii)  To authorise the Director of Children Services and Director of Growth to take all necessary actions to implement the new policy.

1.  To ensure that the local authority is compliant with the latest statutory legislation and guidance to review and publish the home to school travel assistance policy by the 31st May 2019.

2.  To ensure that the policy is clear and easily understood and accessible by all eligible groups, in compliance with statutory responsibilities including updated procedures within the local authority.

3.  To ensure that the increasing pressures on home to school transport resources is managed to ensure financial sustainability for the future and to support resources to be deployed to achieve maximum benefit in the offer of home to school travel assistance.

4.  To ensure maximum opportunity for young people to meet their potential in adult life by offering training and support to those who are assessed to have the ability to travel independently.

a)  To do nothing, not update the policy.  This was rejected as the review established the need for this.

b)  To not make changes to the policy following consultation.  This was rejected as it is important to consider all representations in the consultation and take these into account when finalising the policy.