To consider the recommendations of the General Overview and Scrutiny Committee made on 15 January 2014, following the call-in of Cabinet’s decision made on 19 December 2013.

(The following link will take you to the report considered by the General Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 15 January 2014.  A supplement to the agenda will be published before the Cabinet meeting setting out the Committee’s recommendations to Cabinet and a proposed response.)

http://councillors.herefordshire.gov.uk/documents/s50016495/Call-In%20Changes%20to%20Herefordshire%20Schools%20and%20Post%2016%20Transport%20Policy%20-%20Covering%20Report.pdf

Consideration was given to the recommendations of the General Overview & Scrutiny Committee made on 15 January 2014 following the call-in of Cabinet’s decision made on 19 December.  The Chairman of General Overview & Scrutiny Committee presented the recommendations of the committee, highlighting concerns raised regarding the potential impact on SEN pupils and schools budgets.

The Cabinet Member summarised the Executive’s responses to the recommendations noting where recommended action was already underway. Further amendment or delay to the policy changes would not be recommended given the budgetary constraints and agreed charging principles, and in the interests of providing certainty for parents and schools alike.

In response to queries raised by Members in attendance the following observations were made:

• The decision had been informed by a full and robust equality impact assessment
• Working together with schools, parents and transport providers would improve service delivery in the future.

RESOLVED:  That

(a)       the proposed responses to the recommendations of the General Overview and Scrutiny Committee as set out at Appendix 1 are agreed; and the original decision taken by Cabinet on 19 December 2013 is confirmed.