Approval of the Council’s All Age Travel Policy.

Decision to be taken on 18 May 2016.

1. That the content of the report be noted.

2. That the Policy be approved for implementation with effect from 1^st June 2016.

[Note: This decision was taken in consultation with the Executive Member for Adult Social Services and Community Wellbeing.]

The Policy meets the Council’s duties under the Education Act 1996 to make such school, college or other travel arrangements as they consider necessary for all children and persons of sixth form age and adult learners. The Care Act 2014 and the Children and Families Act 2014 places a duty on the Council to assess the social care and support needs of children, young people and adults and the new Policy sets out clearly what transport provision and assistance will be made by the Council. The Policy aims to help people achieve maximum possible independence and at the same time to make reasonable and most efficient use of the Council’s resources, in line with the Council’s Sustainable Modes of Transport Policy.

a) Do nothing:- The existing policies are separate and as a result require harmonisation to better address key transition points in life, for example the transition from childhood to adulthood. The existing Home to School Transport policy requires revision and to do nothing would expose the Council to risk of challenge as well as leave parents and carers unclear as to the Council’s provision. b) Not approve the recommendation:- Confusion over the Council’s Policy on travel assistance and transport arrangements may ensue as the Council has now widely consulted on the proposed changes. Any efficiency in streamlining processes, which accrues a benefit without any impact on service delivery, would be lost. A significant number of people responded to the consultation and they may feel that their views and feedback had not been taken in to consideration.