URL: https://westsussex.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2195

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Learning (Cllr Jacquie Russell)

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: The County Council is seeking to introduce a Travel Assistance Policy for 19-25 year-olds with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) which is proposed for implementation from the start of the 2025-26 academic year. The introduction of a travel assistance policy will ensure transport services for young adult learners aged 19-25 who have an EHCP aligns with the statutory guidance issued by the Department of Education and the Adult Transport Duty.   The draft Travel Assistance Policy for 19-25 year-olds with an Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP) underwent a 6.5-week public consultation which concluded on 20 April 2025.   An assessment of the feedback received has been undertaken.  The feedback indicated the need to provide greater consistency of support across West Sussex as well as alleviating barriers to sufficient transport and providing a more defined appeals procedure for post-19 transport applicants. Further detail of this and responses to the points raised are set out in section 4.  Therefore, it is proposed that the Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Learning be asked to approve the introduction of the Travel Assistance Policy for 19-25 year-olds with an Education, Health and Care Plan.

Content: The County Council is seeking to introduce a Travel Assistance Policy for 19-25 year-olds with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) which is proposed for implementation from the start of the 2025-26 academic year. The introduction of a travel assistance policy will ensure transport services for young adult learners aged 19-25 who have an EHCP aligns with the statutory guidance issued by the Department of Education and the Adult Transport Duty.   The draft Travel Assistance Policy for 19-25 year-olds with an Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP) underwent a 6.5-week public consultation which concluded on 20 April 2025.   An assessment of the feedback received has been undertaken.  The feedback indicated the need to provide greater consistency of support across West Sussex as well as alleviating barriers to sufficient transport and providing a more defined appeals procedure for post-19 transport applicants. Further detail of this and responses to the points raised are set out in section 4.  Therefore, it is proposed that the Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Learning be asked to approve the introduction of the Travel Assistance Policy for 19-25 year-olds with an Education, Health and Care Plan. The Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Learning has approved the introduction of a Travel Assistance Policy for 19-25 year-olds with an Education, Health and Care Plan as set out in Appendix 1.   Following publication, this proposed decision was called in for scrutiny by the Children and Young People’s Services Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on 18 June 2025.  The committee supported the implementation of the Travel Assistance Policy for 19–25-year-olds with an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and made recommendations on the guidance provided to young people and their families when applying for travel assistance and future consultation processes for consideration by the Cabinet Member.  The Committee also recommended that the policy language was reviewed to ensure it was as neutral as possible.  The Cabinet Member has therefore approved the decision with effect from 19 June 2025 and has requested that the language within the policy is reviewed and updated where appropriate.  The responses to the committee recommendations will be included in the agenda for the meeting of the Children and Young People’s Scrutiny Committee on 10 September 2025.    None declared.

Date of Decision: June 19, 2025