Agenda item

The Chair introduced the item and Members made the following comments regarding the work programme.

It was queried whether Area Committee meetings could be held virtually in instances where no formal decisions are being made. Other Members highlighted the importance of holding meetings in public.

Members repeated their interest in receiving an update on housing and requested that officers attend a meeting in person.

A discussion on the Home to School Transport Policy took place and the following points were raised.

·        The financial savings of the policy were highlighted.

·        It was suggested that the gate at Tadcaster Grammar School, which had not been included in the Council’s system, is used often.

·        It was noted that while one may support the Home to School Transport Policy at a strategic level, it is also important to acknowledge that the policy may raise issues in certain situations and therefore could require amendments. Members suggested that such amendments should be made promptly and proactively when issues are identified.

·        That where issues arise, appeals should be looked at on an individual basis.

·        It was suggested that the appeals process may require a review, particularly in relation to how exceptional circumstances are defined and applied. This concern was raised in the context of the gate at Tadcaster Grammar School, with some members expressing surprise that the situation had not been considered an exceptional circumstance.

·        It was acknowledged that the Area Committee does not have the authority to review or amend the Home to School Transport Policy directly. However, when issues are identified, they can be raised either by individual Members or collectively by the Committee and fed back to the relevant officers or decision-making bodies.

It was proposed and seconded that officers be invited to attend the November meeting to discuss specific issues related to the Home to School Transport Policy. This would help the Committee to gain a clearer understanding of how the policy is implemented in practice and its impact on individuals. The issues raised by Members are laid out below.

·        Clarification on whether North Yorkshire Council has acknowledged an error regarding the gate at Tadcaster Grammar School not being included in the Council’s system. If an error has been acknowledged, whether any cases potentially affected will be reviewed.

·        An outline of the remit of the appeals committee, particularly the circumstances under which an appeal may be upheld.

·        An explanation of how the process for appeals is reviewed and updated. In addition, consideration of whether the local Member can have greater involvement in appeals cases.

·        Information on the post-implementation review.

·        Information on the feedback received from parents regarding the Home to School Transport Policy.

The proposal was put to a vote and carried unanimously. Councillors Stephanie Duckett and Andy Paraskos had declared an interest and therefore were not present for the vote.

It was also proposed and seconded that the Committee should support Councillor Andrew Lee in relation to the concerns that he has raised outside of the meeting regarding the gate at Tadcaster Grammar School. The motion was put to a vote and carried, with nine voting in favour, none against, and one abstention. Councillors Stephanie Duckett and Andy Paraskos, having declared an interest, were not present for the vote.

Resolved

a)     That the above suggestions be added to the work programme.

b)     That the Committee supports Councillor Andrew Lee in relation to the concerns he has raised regarding the gate at Tadcaster Grammar School.