Council Chiefs Assure School Transport Changes Won’t Cause Closures
Council leaders confirm that new transport rules won’t lead to school closures, despite parent concerns and campaigner fears.
North Yorkshire, School Transport, Council Changes, Budget, Education
Parents are unhappy about this change. Campaigners worry it might lower student numbers at some schools. This could lead to job losses and even school closures.
Campaigners have filed a Freedom of Information request. They want to see a study on how this policy affects schools. They complained to the Information Commissioner’s Office after not getting a timely response.
Senior officers spoke to the local democracy reporting service. They said there’s no evidence that the policy will harm any school financially.
Council leaders understand parents’ frustration. They believe the change could save up to £3 million a year. Chief executive Richard Flinton said it’s a tough decision due to financial pressures.
Council leader Carl Les empathized with parents. He said he would feel the same if he were in their shoes. The policy will be reviewed next year, focusing on savings rather than its impact on schools.
Councillors will meet next week to discuss a 4.99% rise in council tax. They say this is necessary due to falling income and rising service demands.
The council is still recovering from losing a £14.3 million rural services grant. This funding was cut by the government last November, which was unexpected.
Cllr Les expressed frustration over the grant loss. He suggested it felt like a political move against rural areas.
Even with the tax increase, the council faces a £5 million shortfall. They could see a £34 million deficit by 2028 without further savings.
The situation would be worse without the local government reorganization in 2023. North Yorkshire councillors will meet on February 14 to finalize the budget for the next year.