Cumberland Council is inviting parents, carers, schools, and any interested resident or organisation to share their views in a public consultation on its proposed Home to School Travel Policy. The consultation, open from Monday 21 October to Monday 9 December aims to gather feedback on its proposals which aim to make school travel arrangements more flexible to meet the changing needs of children, service demands, and market pressures.
The policy proposals have been developed after engaging with parents and reviewing current practices, and aims to offer greater choice, independence, and control for families.
The proposals are part of a wider review aimed at ensuring value for money but do not propose changes to eligibility for assistance and there are no plans to reduce the number of children and young people accessing the service.
The consultation seeks views on a variety of proposals including offering training to young people to help them access transport, not only increasing independence to access school but enabling lifelong independence.
Councillor Elaine Lynch, Executive Member for Lifelong Learning and Development, said:
"Getting to and from school is a crucial part of the daily lives of children, young people and families. We understand that this can be much more challenging for some families, and we have engaged with representatives of SENDAC to co-produce the consultation. We now invite everyone in Cumberland who wishes to have their say to respond and help us shape a travel policy that not only meets the needs of our communities but also supports our commitment to sustainability as a council."
To make sure your views are heard, complete the consultation response form which can be accessed online via Cumberland.gov.uk/HaveYourSay or complete a paper copy and return to our teams. You can also find out more by attending one of our drop in sessions, either online and in person.
How to Get Involved:
Visit the consultation website: Cumberland.gov.uk/HaveYourSay
Chat to us at a drop-in session:
- 24 October – Teams Meeting 1100-1200 – add to calendar
- 29 October – Teams Meeting 1500-1600 – add to calendar
- 6 November – In person, Carlisle Library – 1500-1730
- 7 November – Teams Meeting 1800-1900 – add to calendar
- 12 November – Teams Meeting 1100-1200 - add to calendar
- 19 November – In person, Workington Library – 1500-1730
- 20 November – Teams Meeting 1300-1400 – add to calendar
- 26 November – Teams Meeting 1800-1900 – add to calendar
The deadline for responses is Monday 9 December.
