School transport plan shelved

The council has been holding an extensive round of public consultation across the county and was expected to introduce a new policy in September next year. But that has now been postponed without a new date being set.

 

Last night, Powys released the following statement from Councillor Myfanwy Alexander, Cabinet Member for Learning and Leisure:

“Following an extensive period of consultation in school communities throughout Powys, the Local Authority is now facing the challenge of forming a school transport policy which will serve the young people and families of the area into the future.

Given the rural nature of Powys, this policy will be key in ensuring that our learners are able to access the high quality education they deserve. Many detailed responses were received relating to the policy proposals and these observations will form a vital part of the formation of the programme and because of the number and nature of these responses, it has been decided that the timetable for implementation of the new school transport policy in September 2013 is not achievable.

Affordable school transport is a major issue for Powys communities and the consultation revealed many issues, both detailed and strategic.  Implementation of this policy without addressing these factors would mean that the policy would be flawed from outset.  Therefore the authority proposes to examine all these details before deciding the best way to provide flexible, cost-effective transport for our learners.

We welcome further representations from individuals and communities: the people of Powys are the experts on the needs of their own areas, best qualified to comment on the existing policy and offering positive solutions to local school transport problems. As a result of this period of reflection, the September 2013 roll-out of the new policy will not take place.”