How to have your say on home to school travel proposals

The proposed policy outlines our responsibilities in providing school transport assistance for children in the area. We recognise that some children will always need travel assistance and we are committed to meeting our legal obligations for home-to-school travel.  Policy proposals.

Have your say on the proposals

If you would like a paper copy of the information pack and response form sent to you, or if you have any questions, email us:

Email: HaveYourSay@cumberland.gov.uk with "School Transport Policy consultation 2024" as the subject

You can also download and print the information pack and response form:

Why we are asking for your views

Background and context

We aim to make school travel arrangements more flexible to meet the changing needs of children, service demands, and market pressures. After engaging with parents and reviewing current practices, proposals have been developed to offer greater choice, independence, and control for families, while also saving money.

The changes will not reduce eligibility for assistance. They aim to offer more flexibility while ensuring service sustainability and resilience for the future. Options like independent travel training may reduce costs and support young people in transitioning to adulthood.

The proposed changes aim to provide clearer, fairer, and easier-to-understand options for transport assistance. They also align with our green agenda and efforts to deliver better value for money.

The updated policy will reflect the latest guidance from January 2024.

Department for Education's guidance - travel to school for children of compulsory school age.

Parent includes birth, adoptive, foster parents, carers, or legal guardians. Child or children includes individuals from 0 to 18 years (up to 25 years for those with disabilities).

Consultation approach

When proposing changes that affect transport eligibility, the local authority must consult for at least 28 working days during term time. The guidance says that councils should phase in changes so that existing arrangements remain for current students.

Our consultation follows the Cumberland Council Community Engagement Framework principles:

• reach more people, especially those seldom heard
• strengthen and establish connections with communities
• gather community insights for decision-making
• build ongoing partnerships with communities
• increase trust and ownership

Feedback from engagement sessions

Parents noted a lack of school travel options and highlighted the administrative challenges related to arranging transport for children with special needs. They emphasised that new arrangements should be straightforward and easy to manage. This feedback has guided our planning to minimise paperwork and bureaucracy.

Importance of your views

We value the input of parents, children, and residents. Your feedback will help ensure the service meets user needs. The consultation findings will be shared with relevant officials and presented to Cumberland Council Cabinet on 18 February 2025.