Issue - meetings

The Cabinet Member for Sustainable Transport Delivery, Councillor Lucy Hodge, introduced the report. There was a presentation that covered the following:

·  Home to School Transport Finance and Activity

·  Services provided

·  National context

·  Service pressures in BANES

·  Independent review

·  Improvements & efficiencies already undertaken

·  Further improvements being explored

Panel members raised the following points and asked the following questions:

Councillor Hughes stated that it is good to see a lot of proactive steps are being taken. He asked if we have a rough number on how many journeys are going out of area each day. The Cabinet Member explained that exact data is difficult to extract due to system limitations; work underway to improve reporting. Placements are based on best provision for the child.

Councillor Hughes asked about the trajectory. The officer explained that this is difficult to predict and will depend on the Government White Paper. The Cabinet Member explained that existing SEND capacity is full and there are plans for new schools in house (e.g., Culverhay) with an aim to reduce out-of-area placements.

Councillor Treby asked if we know what saving Culverhay and Charlton House would make and would better bus services also make a difference. The officer explained that bus routes have a marginal impact as most SEND journeys require specialist transport. He did not have figures regarding savings.

Councillor Simon asked if transport costs are considered in SEND tribunal appeals? The officer explained that relatively few go to appeal and they are usually down to eligibility.

Councillor David asked if the use of council-owned cars delivering savings. The officer explained that early savings are reported. Recruitment of suitable drivers remains a challenge and if a driver is off sick, we use an agency.

Councillor Moss noted that the number of Councils moving to an in house model is increasing and there could be coordination with home to hospital transport. He stated that the appeals system is a grey area and supported the suggestion that the financial cost should be included. He asked if this authority contributes to the LGA debate. The officer stated that we do contribute nationally and are at the forefront of discussions. The Cabinet Member stated that she wanted to get more detail in the future.

The Chair thanked the Cabinet Member and officer.