Decision details

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.

As Cabinet Member for Planning, Highways, Transport and Waste I to agree to update the Cabinet Decision of June 2015 to:

1.            reduce the subsidy to the standard YPTP pass by £60;

2.            introduce an option to pay by instalments, the costs of which to be funded by the charging of a modest £10 administration fee;

3.            maintain the cost of the pass to students from low income families at £100;

4.            maintain the provision of free passes to those in care and care leavers; and

5.            maintain the current offer that those families purchasing more than two standard cost passes will only pay for the first two