Cumbria County Council School Transport Policy

EDM number 2123 in 2010-12, proposed by Timothy Farron on 11/08/2011.
Categorised under the topics of Further education, Roads and Schools.

That this House notes with grave concern the plans put forward by Cumbria County Council to change the transport policy for prospective students planning to attend sixth form or further education colleges that exceed the statutory walking distance; further notes that the Council has specifically stated that a discounted travel pass will only be issued if the student is attending the nearest or catchment school or college where the distance exceeds the statutory walking distance and that course content and selection will not be considered when determining if a child is eligible for discounted travel; expresses concern that this will prevent some students from having the option to study subjects or courses not provided at their nearest catchment school or college due to the heavy financial burden it places upon their families to cover the cost of transport to a more distant school or college; acknowledges that some cuts to public services are essential in today's economic climate, but believes that this latest ruling by Cumbria County Council will disadvantage many young people in embarking upon their preferred choice of vocational pathway; and calls on Cumbria County Council to change its policy and ensure that course content and selection is a consideration for students wanting to access discounted transport to a more distant school or college.

This motion has been signed by a total of 11 MPs.