Proposed Decision:
The Cabinet Member is asked to agree the Post 16 Transport Policy Statement for 2021/22.
Reason for Decision:
There is a legal requirement for post 16 learners to stay in education, training or work-based learning until they reach 18 years of age, and as young adults there is an expectation they will contribute to the cost of their travel in most circumstances. Whilst there is no statutory duty to provide transport for Post 16 Learners there is a duty to consider applications for assistance with transport and to enable access to education. There are no planned changes to the Post 16 Transport Policy Statement or this commitment for the 2021/22 academic year. KCCs primary method of meeting its obligation in regard to Post 16 Transport will be through the continued subsidy of the 16+ Travel Saver pass.
Further information:
The post 16 Transport policy for Kent County Council enables access to education for Kent Learners. To assist Kent’s young adults in accessing their education in schools, colleges and through apprenticeships or work-based training provision.
Kent County Council has provided students with the opportunity to apply for a Kent 16+ Travel Saver pass which is subsidised by the Authority and can be purchased online through Kent County Council’s website. The 16+ Travel Saver pass gives unlimited access to the public bus network and learning providers can choose to further subsidise this charge to their students or trainees if they wish in cases of financial hardship.
With the participation age raised to 18 years, the 16+ Travel Saver pass will widen the opportunity for Kent’s young adults to access the education provision of their choice at a subsidised cost. This may be at schools, academies, colleges or in the workplace though an apprenticeship or other work-based training provision. Support for accessing education is not prescribed and Kent use the 16+ Travel Saver pass to meet its duty to enable users access to education.
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: 26/01/2021
Decision due: Not before 24th Feb 2021 by Cabinet Member for Education and Skills
Reason: To enable to decision to be on the FED for a minimum of 28 days
Lead member: Cabinet Member for Education and Skills
Lead director: David Adams
Contact: Craig Chapman, Head of Fair Access Telephone number: 03000 415934 Email: craig.chapman@kent.gov.uk.
Consultation process
A consultation is planned between 25 January 2021 and 5 March 2021 and will be held at www.kent.gov.uk/post16transport
CYPE Cabinet Committee – 9 March 2021
The final decision will be presented to the Committee prior to the decision being taken by the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills. Due to the pre-election period, the outcome of the consultation will be considered at an earlier Committee meeting than usual. As a result, the initial Committee report will be based on 4-5 week’s consultation responses, with an addendum circulated shortly before the meeting to update statistics and key themes.
Which Divisions / Local Members are particularly affected: http://kent590w3:9070/mgFindMember.asp
Have views been sought from local Members? If not please confirm that they will be sought and included in any report to Cabinet Committee / Cabinet Member.
Member will be informed of the consultation via the
Financial implications: Whilst KCC is not directly funded to support any transport requirements for learners over the age of 16, KCC has made significant financial commitments to Post 16 Transport. The LA commits in excess of £5 million on Post 16 Transport and draws an income of less than £2 million. Numbers fluctuate from year to year, particularly following the limitations imposed by COVID-19, however the total subsidy usually averages around £3 million per annum.
Legal implications: Local authorities have a duty to prepare and publish by 31 May each year an annual transport policy statement specifying the arrangements for the provision of transport, or otherwise that the authority considers necessary, to make to facilitate the attendance of all persons of sixth form age receiving education or training.
Equalities implications: Post 16 Transport Policy has an overall positive impact for learners with protected characteristics, with little to no negative effects.