Agenda, decisions and minutes

To receive disclosures of personal interest from Members in accordance with

the Code of Conduct

Note:

1. Members are requested to identify the item number and subject matter

that their interest relates to and signify the nature of the personal

interest: and

2. Where Members withdraw from a meeting as a consequence of the

disclosure of a prejudicial interest they must notify the Chairman when

they leave.

In accordance with the code of conduct the following declarations were made:

Councillor M Powell – personal interest “My daughter uses paid for Home to School Transport

Councillor K Johnson – Personal Interest “My Children will be affected by the proposals and I work for Transport for Wales”

To Pre-Scrutinise the results of the public consultation on the proposed review of the Council’s Home to School Transport prior to Cabinet’s consideration on the 20^th March 2024

The Service Director Democratic Services and Communications advised Members that they had the opportunity to undertake pre-scrutiny on the Review of the Council’s Home to School Transport Policy, prior to consideration of the matter by the Cabinet.

The Director Highways, Streetcare and Transportation then gave Members an overview of the report and the proposals being considered in light of the significant financial challenges the Council are facing in the medium term. He reminded Members that the proposals had been subject to a public consultation exercise, which the Scrutiny Committee also provided a formal response to in December 2023 and advised of the key themes arising from the feedback.

Following presentation of the report, the Chair welcomed Councillor K Johnson to the meeting and invited him to address Members

Councillor Johnson began by expressing concerns about the proposal's widespread impact on many communities, particularly those without train services and facing reduced bus services. He raised concerns on the financial strain on families relying on the current provision who will now have to pay a daily bus fayre or drive to school.  He challenged the potential savings and stated this should be reviewed following risk assessments to assess safe routes. Additionally, he suggested delaying implementation until assessing PSVAR vehicle availability and considering forthcoming legislation empowering local authorities on bus fares and routes. Finally, he highlighted the contradiction with the Council's climate change agenda due to increased vehicular traffic.

The Chair thanked Councillor Johnson for his comments and invited Members of the Committee to ask questions and give their observations on the proposals. The comments and observations are summarised below:

Members acknowledged that the Council currently provides transport for pupils over and above what it is required to so do under the relevant legislation and guidance and appreciated why this area was under consideration, noting how costs for providing the current level of provision had escalated in recent years. 

Several Members felt that comparison with other Councils did not reflect the percentage of children eligible for transport, which is different in each Council area.  Neither does it reflect the unique geographical or demographic circumstances of Rhondda Cynon Taf.

Having reviewed the results of the public consultation, Members also noted that the number of respondents, as well as the percentage of those who were against the proposals clearly demonstrates the strength of feeling in relation to the proposals.   Members noted that the alternative options arising from consultation feedback in full or in part addressed some of these areas of concern, but noted that ‘equity’ of provision across all areas of education was important.

A number of Members felt strongly that the proposals would impose financial burdens on families already facing economic challenges which the Council, through other decisions, has prioritised protecting.  Many Members commented upon the importance of prioritising accessibility to education for all pupils, regardless of their socio-economic background.

Some Members believed that the financial burden created by this proposal, would go beyond families having to pay a daily bus fare. A Member  ...  view the full minutes text for item 75.

To consider any items, which the Chairman, by reason of special circumstances, is of the opinion should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency.

None

The Chair thanked all Officers and Members for attending and for their valuable contributions to the discussions which would be forwarded to Cabinet prior to them considering the matter.