Carole Burgoyne (Strategic Director for People) submitted a report seeking approval to delegate authority to the Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Public Health to award the contracts following the re-tendering of transport arrangements for Special Educational Needs children and Looked After Children, without the requirement to seek further formal Cabinet approval.  Cabinet Members were advised that this would streamline overall timescales and support the achievement of the January 2016 implementation target.

Councillor Jon Taylor (Cabinet Member for Transformation and Customer Services) introduced the proposals and indicated that he was confident that the service could be enhanced and savings achieved by doing things differently.  

Councillor McDonald (Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Public Health) offered reassurance to parents that they would receive a better service, a safe service and that passenger assistance would remain.

Simon Dale (Interim Assistant Director for Street Services), Jayne Gorton (Head of Access and Planning) attended the meeting for this item and Jayne Gorton confirmed that safety would be paramount with timetables delivering routine and regularity, parents having access to the transport team and regular liaison with the successful contractors.

Alternative options considered and reasons for the decision –

As set out in the report.

Agreed that the Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Public Health is delegated authority to approve the award of contract for the new passenger transport contracts (taxis and minibuses) for education and children’s social care without the need to seek further formal Cabinet approval.