Have your say on proposed cuts to school travel to save £570,000

Cheshire East CouncilI is consulting the public on a number of proposed cuts to their school travel service which would save up to £570,000 over the next two financial years.

The Council says the proposals would bring the authority in line with many other councils locally and across the country, who have already reviewed their school travel policies in accordance with national statutory government requirements.

The proposals include cutting transport for children whose parents have a disability, 8 to 11 year olds that live less than 3 miles from the nearest suitable school and for pupils with temporary medical conditions due to an accident, planned surgery or illness.

Within the policy there is the proposal to extend direct payments, so that parents who are eligible for travel support can make their own transport arrangements if this is a lower-cost option. Also proposed is a new training scheme to support young people who have an education, health and care plan, where appropriate, to travel independently to school.

These changes, if introduced, would reduce the council's annual £8.9m spend on school transport by up to £570,000 over the next two financial years.

Councillor George Hayes, cabinet member for children and families, said: "I would encourage everyone to tell us what they think and provide suggestions on what exceptions the council should consider and why. This consultation is an opportunity to influence the policies before they are adopted by the council."

The consultation period runs from Wednesday, 18th October, to Friday 24th November. All the details can be found at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk or by calling 0300 123 5012.

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Cheshire East Council