Parents Demand a Voice as Council Moves Forward with Controversial Transport Changes

North Yorkshire Council Faces Backlash Over Public Exclusion in Transport Policy Review

Amid rising discontent surrounding changes to home-to-school transport policies, campaigners have announced plans to hold a protest outside an upcoming council meeting in North Yorkshire. The meeting, aimed at reviewing the controversial proposals, has led to frustration among parents and advocacy groups, who argue that they have been effectively silenced from expressing their concerns.

This protest follows the North Yorkshire Council's decision last year to limit transport funding to a child’s nearest school, replacing the previous policy that was based on school catchment areas. As tensions continue to build, members of the School Transport Action Group (Stag) acknowledged their appreciation for the extraordinary session scheduled for next month but expressed deep disappointment over their exclusion from speaking at the event.

In response to these criticisms, Barry Khan, the council's assistant chief executive for legal and democratic services, explained that extraordinary meetings do not permit public questions. According to Khan, the council anticipates that the new transport policy, set to take effect in September, will save up to £3 million annually. He further noted that North Yorkshire's transport costs are higher than those in other areas, primarily due to the county's challenging geography.

Nevertheless, parents in rural areas have raised safety concerns regarding the impact of the policy on their children’s school journeys. Some shared with the BBC that roads leading to nearby schools can be particularly hazardous during winter and extreme weather conditions. Adding to the mounting criticism, the School Transport Action Group strongly condemned the council for preventing public participation in the upcoming meeting. A spokesperson from the group called the decision undemocratic, asserting that it hinders informed decision-making. They argued that council officials and proponents of the policy had disregarded parents' concerns from the outset. To amplify their message, the group announced plans to stage a demonstration outside the meeting and urged other concerned members of the public to join their protest.

In response, Barry Khan emphasized that residents' perspectives had been taken into account through various consultations, petitions, and prior meetings. He clarified that extraordinary meetings are specifically reserved for councillors to deliberate on particular issues. Khan encouraged residents to share their concerns with local councillors, who could then present them during the meeting. The extraordinary session, prompted by opposition councillors due to concerns about the policy's effects on families and schools, is scheduled to take place on 21 May at County Hall in Northallerton. The controversy underscores the need for greater public engagement and careful consideration of decisions impacting families in North Yorkshire.

Editor’s Note:

The controversy over North Yorkshire's new home-to-school transport policy shows a growing gap between local councils and the communities they represent. While the council claims the changes will save money, blocking public input at the upcoming meeting raises concerns about transparency and fairness. The decision to limit transport funding to a child’s nearest school may look good on paper, but it doesn’t take into account the challenges faced by rural families, especially regarding safety in bad weather. Parents need to be heard, and the council's refusal to allow public questions only adds to the frustration. The School Transport Action Group’s protest is a necessary response to a policy that prioritizes savings over the safety of children. The council’s claim that they’ve listened to the public feels empty when people are still being silenced in meetings meant to address their concerns. North Yorkshire's leaders need to rethink their approach and focus more on the safety and needs of families rather than just balancing the budget.

SkooBuzz thinks that this situation highlights a broader issue with how local governments make decisions. Listening to and involving the people affected by these policies should be the first step in any decision-making process. North Yorkshire and councils in general should remember they are there to serve the community, not just to cut costs.