Strong Debate & Confusion Over Post-16 Transport Future

Strong debate on the future of Post-16 transport in Wrexham was followed by confusion in this afternoon’s Lifelong Learning Scrutiny Committee.

In a two and a half hour meeting this afternoon, members debated the necessity of Post-16 transport for students in the area, with the future of the service facing the axe.

Wrexham Council currently spends in excess of £4.3 million on school transport. £374,800 of that budget is spent transporting Post 16 learners to educational establishments both inside and outside Wrexham’s borders.

However following a public consultation (which received 103 responses) and a corporate consultation, it is recommended that a ‘phased withdrawal’ of funding for Post-16 transport from September 2016.

Speaking about the report, Lead Member for Environment David Bithell noted the ‘harsh reality’ was to bring the budget back in line to maintain statutory services’ and that ‘other services have had to suffer as school transport overspend’.

Cllr Bithell added: “Whilst it’s recognised that we have a duty to consider travel needs of learners under the age of 19, there is no statutory duty on authorities to provide it. It is financially unsustainable and something needs to be done. We cannot sustain provision without detriment to services we have a statutory duty to provide.”

Lead Member for Children’s Services and Education Michael Williams: “It is an emotional issue, no doubt about that. We are faced with a certain reality that the Environment Department has to meet the cost of Post-16 transport by making costs in other areas. We have to consider very carefully about the decision we make and the knock on effects if we don’t address the issue.”

Four options were put forward in the consultation, including limiting free transport to institutions within the Wrexham County Borough (with limited exceptions), introducing set charges for transport either within or outside of the county; giving funding to Colleges to organise transport to their institutions and completely withdrawing funding for Post 16 Transport.

The meeting was told that currently around 700 further education students use Post-16 transport.

Concerns were raised over the results of a public consultation which ran earlier this year. Overall the survey received 103 respondents, which was described as ‘disappointing’ by one member of the committee.

However the decision for a ‘phased withdrawal’ of the funding for post-16 transport was met with fierce opposition from members of the committee, who feared the future of a child’s education could be place at risk if the service was withdrawn.

Councillor Alun Jenkins said that he had ‘grave concerns’ about the proposals, adding: “It is quite clear from responses that the majority of people don’t want changes to the policy. The general support was for option one and restricting the service to students in Wrexham.

“What’s quite clear is there is a cost at the moment to the Environment Department. Don’t discourage any pupils from putting a charge on them to get to the schools, we can’t be seen to allow this to deter pupils.”

Councillor Dana Davies said: “Option four of the report has wider implications. It’s not just what’s going to happen to those children not attending further education, it is the knock on effect. Sixth forms and Coleg Cambria could be delivering less courses, we’re not preparing them to work.

“From a parent point of view I want all children to have opportunities and we should be creating them. Option Four goes against terms of reference for this committee.”

Councillor Geoff Lowe added: “I never thought the day would come where I had to listen to funding cuts of this nature, it’s sad where we find ourselves today. If reduction of number of courses is hear say, it needs to be noted.”

Questions were also raised on the definition of ‘phased withdrawal’, with Cllr Kenyon adding: “The report doesn’t say how long it’s going to be phased. As far as the way forward is concerned, accept difficult decisions to be made – the savings have got to be made.”

The Committee were told that a ‘phased withdrawal’ of funding for transport would not impact those who start on a course until 2015 as the transport would continue until the life of that course is complete.

Speaking about the proposed withdrawal of Post-16 transport funding, Council Leader Mark Pritchard said: “We have a statutory and legal duty to bring budget in, all of us elected members understand that. It is unfortunate Post 16 transport isn’t a statutory requirement, so we don’t have to deliver it – we want to.

“We don’t want to do this, we all want to continue is, but we can’t and the bluntness is we cant afford it. We all need to be honest and tell it as it is. These are not savings, these are cuts, drastic cuts and every non statutory service is under attack because we have not got the money.”

Questions about the implications the phased withdrawal of Post-16 transport could have on those who travel outside of Wrexham to access faith schools.

One member of the committee said: “I am concerned about the option where, if all transport costs are finished with and the effect it might have. with faith based, concerned about lack of provision.”

However Cllr Jenkins proposed an amendment to Option One (Limit Transport to Sites within Wrexham only (with limited exceptions) to include pupils who have to cross boundaries for faith education.

The voting in favour of a preferred recommendation to take to the Executive Board appeared to lead to some confusion, with committee members voting against a ‘phased withdrawal’ yet not enough members voting in favour of an amendment to support transport facilities limited to Wrexham and faith schools.

In what turned out to be a baffling vote on a preferred recommendation, there appeared to be some confusion on what members had voted for – with no recommendation receiving a majority vote, aside from opposition of a phased withdrawal method.

The provision of Post-16 Transport is expected to go before the Executive Board at a later date.