The City Council is asking for your views about the proposal to make changes to the provision of transport to church aided schools (including Cardinal Newman RC School) from September 2012.

What is being proposed?

The Council is proposing to stop providing this discretionary transport from September 2012. This means that, with the exception of secondary school age pupils whose family is on low income, parents will be responsible for making and paying for transport arrangements for their children. This is currently the case for those whose children attend alternative schools for reasons other than religion or belief.

The majority of children who are helped with transport use public transport services, which are expected to continue operating.

Children of secondary school age who are from a low income family (eligible for free school meals or in receipt of Working Tax Credit at the maximum level for the case) and who attend their school on denominational grounds will still be entitled to free transport, as long as they live more than two but no more than 6 miles from the school.

Why is this being proposed?

The majority of parents, whose children do not attend their local school, are responsible for the transport and its costs. We want to ensure that arrangements are as fair as possible to all pupils and parents.

The City Council recognises and supports church schools as providers of high educational standards and pastoral care for their pupils. However, the cost of providing transport and the reduction in funding have to be taken into account.

How can I take part?

You can either complete your comments by going to the online survey, or by email to Gil.Sweetenham@brighton-hove.gov.uk marking your response ‘denominational transport’. Responses should be received by 13 January 2012

All responses received will be treated in the strictest confidence. The Council will use the collective responses for decision-making purposes.

What happens next?

Following the consultation period, responses to this consultation will be considered by Cabinet on 19 January 2012.