Hundreds may lose free school bus

A MAJOR public consultation exercise has started into proposals to change Warrington’s home-to-school transport policy which would mean an end to the free school bus for hundreds of children.
People are being asked to give their views about the proposals which are designed to save the borough council about £114,000-a-year.
Ann McCormack, assistant director of children and young people’s services said: “The council is continuing to have to make some very tough decisions about its finances.
“A key factor is being able to prioritise spending on services that we must do by law, and look hard at whether the council can keep spending on things where it has a choice.
“Home-to-school transport is discretionary and is therefore one of those areas that has to be looked at to make savings.
“We fully appreciate the concerns of those people who would potentially be affected by this and I would urge them to take part in this consultation and discuss their concerns with us.”
In a report to the council’s executive board last month, Cllr Colin Froggatt (pictured), the executive member for children’s services, said pupils likely to be affected were those 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.
Officers estimate the council would save about £114,000 in the first year, assuming the changes were introduced in September next year.
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.
The consultation period, which involves parents, pupils, school governing bodies, church authorities and neighbouring councils, runs until September 26 and the draft new policy is available to view at www.warrington.gov.uk or by telephoning 01925 442938 or emailing schooltransportconsultation2012@warrington.gov.uk
People can also respond in the following ways:
Email: schooltransportconsultation2012@warrington.gov.uk
Write to: School Transport Consultation, Admissions and Transport Team, Children and Young Peoples Services Directorate, New Town House, Buttermarket Street, Warrington, WA1 2NJ.
Council chiefs say the changes would bring Warrington into line with other councils who have already decided to make provision only when there is a legal obligation to do so.