Issue - items at meetings - Special Needs Home to School Contracts 2011

Report of the Strategic Director, People (copy attached).

(1)         That Cabinet approves the arrangements for home to school transport contract tendering set out in the report.

(2)         That Cabinet approves the change to a framework contracting approach to home to school transport.

(3)         That Cabinet approves Departmental Transport Service work operating within the framework arrangements.

200.1          The Cabinet considered a report of the Strategic Director, People concerning arrangements for the council’s home to school transport contracts for students with special educational needs.

200.2          Councillor Mitchell welcomed the emphasis on using of local taxi firms and hoped that it would increase with the new contract. She noted that a recent equalities review in relation to taxis recommended that the issues raised be forwarded to those responsible for the home to school contracts.

200.3          The Chairman stated that the city benefited from an excellent taxi trade and that local suppliers were encouraged to tender for the contract as they had expert knowledge required. She also noted that local drivers were very conscious of the requirements of students with special educational needs and were able to offer a first-rate service.

200.4          RESOLVED – That, having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet accepted the following recommendations:

(1)         That the arrangements for home to school transport contract tendering set out in the report be approved.

(2)         That the change to a framework contracting approach to home to school transport be approved.

(3)         That Departmental Transport Service work operating within the framework arrangements be approved.