Council Reports to Information Commissioner’s Office Over Transport Policy
Parents are raising concerns after a council failed to share a key report on school transport changes, prompting a complaint to the data watchdog
Settle, North Yorkshire, Richmond, School Transport, Education, Community
Settle: Parents and community leaders are pretty upset right now. They’ve filed a complaint with the data watchdog because the council hasn’t responded to their Freedom of Information request. They want to see the findings of a school impact study that was done before a big policy change.
This study looked at how the new policy would affect schools. The change means kids will only get transport to their nearest school instead of the one they’re supposed to go to. But here’s the kicker: not all councillors saw the report before they voted on it last July, and it hasn’t been shared with the public since.
Leaders at Settle College are sounding the alarm, saying this could cost them £300,000 a year and lead to job cuts. Richmond School’s governors are also worried about the financial hit they might take.
With this new policy, kids from some villages might only get free transport to schools in places like Cumbria or County Durham, instead of their usual schools. Campaigners are especially worried about small rural primary schools, which could really struggle if even a few kids leave.
The School Transport Action Group (STAG) is on it. They submitted their FOI request on November 27 and are still waiting for a response. A spokesperson for STAG said this policy could lead to smaller schools closing and secondary schools having to cut jobs and programs.
They’re frustrated that the public and even the councillors who voted on this change were kept in the dark about the potential fallout. Richmond councillor Stuart Parsons is also not happy. He called the situation a “joke which isn’t funny” and said parents and communities are being messed around.
Stokesley councillor Bryn Griffiths is in the same boat, asking for data on how the changes will impact schools in his area but hasn’t heard back. He’s disappointed and believes councillors need all the info to make informed decisions.
Back in July, council officers confirmed a study was done to avoid any unintended consequences, especially for small schools. But when it came to making the report public, they said it wasn’t essential for the consultation process and that sharing it could harm discussions with schools.
There’s a petition from campaigners that will be debated by Richmond and Northallerton councillors soon. The local democracy reporting service has reached out to North Yorkshire Council and Cllr Annabel Wilkinson for comments.