URL: https://democracy.somerset.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2351

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: The Children and Families Scrutiny Committee RESOLVED to convey to the Executive that:     1.    The Committee received a presentation on the Post?16 Travel Policy from Phil Curd and acknowledged the statutory requirement to adopt and publish the Policy within the required timescales.   2.    The Committee was satisfied that the Policy is clear, concise and compliant, and supported the need to proceed with approval in line with statutory deadlines.   3.    The Committee expressed significant concern regarding the impact of the Public Service Vehicle Accessibility Regulations (PSVAR), particularly:   ·         the removal of surplus (paid-for) seats on non-compliant vehicles ·         the impact on transport availability, particularly in rural areas ·         the consequences for access to post?16 provision and learner choice   4.    The Committee noted that, pending further guidance from the Department for Transport (DfT), the Council is required to maintain its current position that pay seats cannot be issued on non-compliant vehicles, and acknowledged the limitations this places on local flexibility.   5.    The Committee noted that, due to statutory timelines, the Lead Member Key Decision will proceed ahead of formal inclusion of Scrutiny recommendations and acknowledged the requirement to approve the Policy by the end of May.    

Date of Decision: May 18, 2026