Why changes were necessary


<p>The possibility of amending the denominational transport policy was highlighted in consultation undertaken early in 2006 regarding the Council&#8217;s budget for 2006/07 and future years.</p>
<ul><li>the Council has to make substantial budgetary savings over the next two years and it is reviewing all areas of discretionary service provision. One of the areas identified for a possible reduction in expenditure, or increase in income, is denominational transport</li>
<li>costs in the transport sector are currently increasing by more than 9% per year, significantly above the rate of inflation. This makes it increasingly difficult to sustain the current level of discretionary provision against other competing services for which we have a statutory duty to provide. If the policy is changed any potential budgetary savings will be reallocated to other key priorities of the Council</li>
<li>the Council understands that parents may wish to send their children to faith schools and therefore we need to find a solution which is fair to all and is sustainable</li>
<li>the impact of transport as a barrier to parents, especially from low income groups, exercising their choice of school is currently being addressed in the Government&#8217;s Education and Inspections Bill 2006. (The Bill can be viewed at <a href="http://www.dfes.gov.uk/publications/educationandinspectionsbill/" > www.dfes.gov.uk/publications/educationandinspectionsbill</a>). It is important that the Council&#8217;s future transport policy is consistent with any arrangements that might be implemented by the Government arising from the Bill. This consultation exercise will take this into account.</li></ul>
<p>Taking all of this into account, four <a href="whychangestodenominationaltransportmaybenecessary/optionsfordenominationaltransport.htm" > possible options for denominational transport</a> were considered.</p>
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