Issue details

19/00021 - Young Persons Travel Pass Changes

 

 

Proposed Decision is to:

 

  • reduce the subsidy to the standard YPTP pass by £60;
  • introduce an option to pay by instalments, the costs of which to be funded by the charging of a modest £10 administration fee;
  • maintain the cost of the pass to students from low income families at £100;
  • maintain the provision of free passes to those in care and care leavers; and
  • maintain the current offer that those families purchasing more than two standard cost passes will only pay for the first two

 

The Young Persons Travel Pass (YPTP) is a discretionary scheme, providing subsidised bus travel for Kent students in years 7 to 11.  The scheme, which is accessed by 24,000 students, has been reviewed in light of funding and demand pressures.

 

It is proposed that from the 2019/20 academic year there will be a reduction in subsidy of £60 for those who purchase a standard pass. This reduction in subsidy will reduce the net cost to KCC by £800K.

 

There will be no changes to the current offer in respect of:

 

  • Students from low income families, (defined as those receiving free school meals) where the cost of the pass will remain at £100.
  • The provision of free passes to those in care, care leavers and Catch 22.
  • The current offer that those families purchasing more than two standard cost passes, will only pay for the first two.

 

Current yearly or half yearly payment options are proposed to be replaced with an annual or instalments option.  For families opting for instalments, an annual pass will be issued with payments spread over 8 months if applying in June/July, and pro-rata for those who apply later.  An administration charge will apply for instalment payments, with the exception for families on low incomes.

 

The scheme directly links to the strategic outcome of Children and Young People in Kent get the best start in life. In continuing to provide subsidised travel, parents, who would not qualify for free home to school transport will have the opportunity to select schools which meet the needs of their children, rather than just on locality.

 

 

Decision type: Key

Reason Key: Affects more than two Electoral Divisions;

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Division affected: (All Division);

Notice of proposed decision first published: 26/02/2019

Decision due: Not before 27th Mar 2019 by Cabinet Member for Planning, Highways, Transport and Waste
Reason: In order that the proposed decision can be publsihed for a minimum of 28 days, in accordance with statutory requirements

Lead member: Cabinet Member for Planning, Highways, Transport and Waste

Lead director: Simon Jones

Department: Growth, Environment & Transport

Contact: Philip Lightowler, Head of Public Transport 03000 414073 Email: Philip.Lightowler@kent.gov.uk Tel: 03000414073.

Consultees

The proposed decision was considered at the Environment and Transport Cabinet Committee on 19 March 2019.

Financial implications: It is proposed that from the 2019/20 academic year there will be a reduction in subsidy of £60 for those who purchase a standard pass. This reduction in subsidy will reduce the net cost of the scheme to KCC by £800K.

Legal implications: None

Equalities implications: An Equalities Impact Assessment will be undertaken.

Decisions

Agenda items