Outcome of the public consultation and decisions in relation to the Executive’s proposal to revise the Council’s All Age Travel Assistance Policy.

1.    That the Policy be approved for implementation with effect from 1^st June 2017, except that the proposed increase in the charges levied as set out in paragraphs 2.5 – 2.8 of the report were not agreed and existing arrangements for contribution will be maintained.

2.    That further work with a view to developing a longer term and more sustainable travel assistance policy be undertaken in partnership with service users and families.

1. The Council has exercised its statutory duty to review travel arrangements for service users; the costs and charges, and eligibility to assistance. The decision has been informed by:-

·         The methodology and approach used for the consultation process;

·         The feedback received from the consultation process;

·         The Equality Impact Assessment in relation to the travel arrangements policy for 2017/18.

2. There is a need for a longer term, sustainable travel assistance policy that meets and exceeds statutory entitlement where possible, within the available financial resources of the Council.

The amendments to the policy were based on consultation responses and their evaluation as set out in sections 3 to 6 of the report. Having considered the report and the recommendations with regard to charging the Leader rejected the proposed increase in charges recommended in the report and decided that the current arrangements in respect of contributions and charges should be retained.