Still time to have your say on faith school transport funding
15 May 2008
There is still time for people to have their say on how transport is provided for pupils attending schools for religious reasons in future.
Derbyshire County Council’s six week consultation on faith school transport funding ends on 13 June.
More than 500 people have responded since its launch and the county council is encouraging more to have their say.
Currently parents choosing a voluntary aided faith school on religious grounds may get assistance with transport to their local faith school.
To qualify the school has to be above two miles from the pupil’s home by the shortest available route for children under eight and three miles for the over eights.
It costs the county council an average of £995 per year per pupil to provide transport for children attending faith schools.
The county council is reviewing how it provides school transport as part of its commitment to meet three per cent year on year efficiency targets set by the Government.
It is looking at three options:
Maintaining transport but introducing a charge – up to £300 per year per pupil. This option would incorporate a maximum charge per household and safeguards for families on low incomes.
Continuing with the present system of free transport for current pupils and phasing in charges for new pupils.
Maintaining the current policy of providing free transport for children opting to attend schools on faith grounds that are outside the statutory walking limits.
Councillor Anne Western, the county council’s cabinet member for children’s services, said: “Every view expressed will be taken into account before any decisions are made and we want to hear from as many people as possible during the consultation.
“Transport is a growing cost area for the county council and we are reviewing the way it is provided in future.
“We must make sure that we spend taxpayers’ money efficiently and on services which best suit the needs of residents.
“It is also important that we consider whether it is fair that some children have access to free transport when others do not. “
Councillors will make a decision on what policy to adopt when they meet on 15 July.
Any policy changes made will not come into force until September 2010.
You can read the Denominational Transport Consultation document on our website. Comments can be made via the website or by writing to:
Denominational Transport Consultation
CAYA Department
Derbyshire County Council
County Hall
Matlock
DE4 3AG
For further information contact Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058.
Ref: SB.205.08
