FREE bus travel to school will be axed for hundreds of children at Warrington if Town Hall chiefs agree to an officers’ recommendation.
Pupils who attend faith schools, those who attend community schools more than the statutory walking distance from their homes when there are places available at a nearer school and those attending special schools who have no medical need for transport will be affected.
Officers estimate the council would save about £114,000 in the first year, assuming the changes were introduced in 
September next year.
But first there will have to be widespread consultation with parents, pupils, school governing bodies, church authorities and neighbouring councils.
Officers admit the proposals could be met with “significant resistance” from the community.
They say the proposal will impact on families across the borough. But high numbers of children will continue to benefit, including those from low income families.
In addition, some schools will still be further than the statutory walking distance – two miles for primary schools, three miles for secondary schools – for some pupils so transport will still be required.
Some walking routes may be judged to be hazardous – and some children will benefit from reduced fares on service buses through a council subsidy.
Cllr Colin Froggatt (pictured), executive member for children and young people’s services, says the changes will bring Warrington into line with other councils who have already decided to make provision only when there is a legal obligation to do so.
He says transport support will be provided on a fairer basis, at a lower cost to the council and that all children who meet the criteria for support through low income will continue to receive it.
If the executive board approves the scheme, consultation will start at the beginning of July.
Free school buses face axe
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
14 Comments
Funny how the one thing they never look at when it comes to saving money is executive pay. It’s always services that go. Unless a councillor can tell me different.
While they’re here, maybe they can reassure us that if the consultation shows that the people of Warrington do not want this change, then it will not go ahead.
Absolutely true. Councillors seem frightened to even suggest that executive pay be frozen or reduced. We all remember the 9% given to the CE and others whilst the workers are on an average of around 1%. The new Council were not voted in to cut services. There will be strong resitence to this latest measure and I do hope that OUR councillors will take notice of any protests and not ignore US as they usually do.
Or the travel claims of the Labour run council???? Chopping free bus and we can’t even get the grass cut – what’s next Labour the same old ways of putting the council tax up. I remember sitting in a council meeting looking around the table adding up the salaries (approx) and it topped £750K per year – makes you think!!!!!!
Indeed Kevin. It looks more and more as if the council is becoming an organisation that exists in its own right rather than to serve the people of Warrington. I’m sure there are councillors out there who cannot square galloping executive pay with the perpetual withdrawal and running down of services. But where are their voices?
Kevin, did those salary numbers include your own before a 19 year old wiped you off the council?…
Please remind us all of the wonderful acheivments you made before you LOST your council seat this year due to failing to get the support of people in your (ex)ward.
Warryfan (Mun)
The £114K saving is less than Labour spent tarting up Bank Park for when the olympic torch went past – they need to get their prorities right.
It is to be hoped our elected members will act on their own initiative in this instance and not fall back on advice from officers, many of whom have been shown to be unfit for purpose, nothwithstanding their above average salary increases and continuing employment. Could this part of the problem – elected members have insufficient time in which to properly consider the advice (which as we have seen is often flawed) they receive from those for whom they have approved above the norm increases?
Sadly not so the £500 monthly allowance should get added to that. I think when the Leader tops over £15K IN TRAVEL things should be looked at. As for losing – well I guess Whittle Hall will get what they voted for!!!! I am still around work for the community because at the end of the day its the town that should be the focus not political will!!!!
Kevin. This isn’t a party political issue. Did the last regime get to grips with executive pay? No. They put it up by three times the rate of inflation even after the various shambles for which the officers should have been held to account. All the parties are as bad as each other.
“agree to an officers’ recommendation” – Mmmmm, no doubt the officer was asked to find savings from his budget by councillors.
Nothing wrong with the proposal, kids should be able to walk up to 3 miles, and it’s a healthier option.
When, if ever is anyone going to be held to account? Despite all that has taken place the same faces, names and personalities continue in the same jobs, offer advice and collect their unrealistic salaries.
Teenage special needs child, no medical need for transport as is able to run and walk – so does not qualify for a blue badge – but requires constant care for their own safety; will their parents now have to drive across Warrington twice a day to take them to Foxwood or Green Lane schools? Or travel with a severely autistic child on a public bus? If they work then maybe they can afford to hire a taxi and a personal carer to each trip?
If this is not thought through very very carefully there is the potential for some of the most vulnerable members of our community to come to harm.
It would be easier just to keep the service and take ten grand each a year off the 14 council employees earning over 100,000 a year. The poor loves would still be earning up to £190k but I’m sure they’ll manage
Well….. it was the people of Warrington who voted for a return of a fully fleged Labour run Council…….. You reep what you sow people