Decision details

Do nothing: Failure to adopt a revised policy would result in the current policy being de facto adopted, leading to a two-tier charging system for discretionary seats as well as confusion over entitlement to and availability of services at the transition between Statutory School age and Post 16 services.  In addition, failure to adopt the revised charging system would result in the Council being required to continue to subsidise Post 16 transport at its current rate, rather than recouping a higher proportion of the actual cost from service users, which will lead to budgetary pressures.

Refer the draft policy back for further revision:  If the Executive prefer not to approve the policy as drafted, they may make recommendations as to any alterations they may require.  Members are requested to be mindful of the statutory requirement to publish the final version of the policy before the end of May 2024 and the timelines for re-presentation of the policy at Executive for approval.  Failure to approve the final version within this timeframe will result in the current policy being de facto adopted for the coming academic year with the same outcomes as Do Nothing. If this option is adopted it is therefore recommended that Members give delegated powers to the Executive Member for Highways, Travel and Assets and the Executive Director of Place and Economy to authorise and approve the final draft, without the need to return to Executive.