More time for views on bus pass withdrawal

Sheffield City Council is looking to cut the discretionary passes – a move which would save the authority £250,000 as it looks to save £140m because of “drastic” Government funding cuts.

It had consulted parents and carers about plans to end this arrangement at the end of last year.

However council leaders announced today they have decided to put the issue out for consultation again to give people extra time to give their views.

Coun Jackie Drayton, cabinet member for Children, Young People and Families, said: “It is with a heavy heart we have had to even consider making these changes to our discretionary bus passes, but we feel that we have no choice given the scale of cuts we are facing from the Government.

“The drastic cuts have left us with far less than we would like to spend on services... We have listened to what people told us last year and as a direct result we have taken the decision to re-consult on discretionary free school transport to give families the opportunity to have their say before a final decision is taken.

“We need to look at how we can support those families who are just above the free school meals criteria and who have children who are in their exam years.”

She said Sheffield was one of the few local authorities still providing this discretionary transport.

Parents and carers are being asked their views about whether to withdraw the current provision completely from September 2013 or withdraw it on a phased basis starting with entry to reception and year seven in September 2013 and each subsequent year.

Under this option, pupils would continue to receive a pass until they finish at their current school. The council could withdraw it in September but look to support pupils in exam years who are just above the free school meals threshold.