Agenda item

As provided for by Protocol, the Leader invited Councillor Dot Jones to ask her prepared question in respect of this item.

Question by Councillor Dot Jones;

In respect of Minute number 9, Cabinet Advisory Panels, “What was the conclusion of the task and finish of the advisory group for school transport?”

Response by Cabinet Member for Transport, Waste and Infrastructure Services:

“This Panel was intended to be set up just prior to the commencement of the COVID Pandemic in 2020 following a report to the Executive Board on 25^th January 2020 on a national change to the Public Service Vehicle Access Regulations which affected services provided by commercial operators for school journeys.  Executive Board resolved to:

1)      Make an amendment be to the Authority’s Spare Seats Police to waive the current annual £50 charge, effective form 1^st September 2019;

2)      Continue to pursue the Welsh Government and the Department of Transport for a change in the application of the Public Services Vehicle Access Regulations to allow bus operators to continue using coaches on school bus routes operated on a commercial basis;

3)      An Executive Board Advisory Panel be established comprising of 6 members, on a cross-party basis, together with the Executive Board member for Environment to look at all issues relating to Home to School Transport and to report back to the Executive Board.

Following the meeting in January 2020, it generated a national dialogue between the Welsh Government and the UK Government.  The Minister of Economy and Transport issued a statement to confirm the Welsh Government had requested a blanket exemption for school transport services and had also written to the Department of Transport to seek further clarity around existing and future exemptions.

However, with the COVID Pandemic hitting the country in March 2020, the advisory panel did not meet, and further national work was undertaken.  The Welsh Government commenced a review of the Learner Travel Measure in 2020 and extended the review in 2021.  In March 2022, the Welsh Government announced that: “There was not time within the current administration to begin a formal process to change the Measure before the pre-election period begins.  Therefore, options for next steps would need to be considered in the next Senedd term.”

Given the Learner Travel Measure provides the basis for school transport provision, it is appropriate to await the outcome of the national review when this is picked up during this Senedd term.  Clearly, proposals from the national review will be subject to consultation and progress through the usual democratic process. 

As a Council, we need to be pressing the Welsh Government on what the next steps are in terms of the review of the school transport distances and if changes are made, that additional funding is provided to Councils across Wales in order to provide additional capacity.

I am aware that the Leader is hoping to meet with the Deputy Minister for Climate Change Lee Waters, to discuss the matter.  I would also point out that I am keen to work with the Labour Group in order to find a way forward on this important agenda and would welcome a meeting with you Councillor Jones to discuss the matter in more depth, if agreeable.”

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on the 4^th July 2022 be signed as a correct record.