PARENT power has forced Northamptonshire County Council to climb down on its post-16 school transport policy.
On Tuesday, the council announced it was deferring any decision on its proposals until January 2011.
One of the parents caught up in this planned change is Hazel Howe from Irchester.
Her son, Thomas, 17, is disabled and relies on the county council to take him to and from Greenfields School in Northampton.
Last Friday, Hazel met with Wellingborough & Rushden MP Peter Bone to discuss her case after finding she could be faced with a bill of more than £3,000 a year to transport her son to school.
Speaking about this latest change, Hazel, 40, said: “I think they have listened partly due to the backlash.
“I think it is excellent they have taken on board what has been said. We have proved a point and we will fight on.”
In September, Hazel is aiming to organise a march by parents on County Hall as well as arranging a meeting with county council cabinet member for transport, mineral and waste, Cllr Heather Smith, chief executive Paul Blantern and Mr Bone.
At a press conference Cllr Heather Smith said in view of the strong feelings generated by the proposed change in policy, which would have seen parents having to pay transport costs for their child, would now be open to wider consultation.
She said: “We understand we had been unfair in asking parents to complete everything as quickly as we had asked them to.
“This will give us time to assess everyone’s needs and the impact it will have on each young person.
“It (the review) will consider everything to make sure it is fair and reasonable for each person.
“We will talk to each of the parents and will consult with all those affected.
“The strength of feeling to the proposed changes has been listened to and we have decided to extend the period of consultation to fully understand and assess the impact the proposed changes will have on individuals.
Personally I have found it (all the media attention and parents outcry) all very upsetting.
“Before I became a councillor I worked on a voluntary basis helping a young man (disabled) taking him to and from work.
“I did not want people to think I was being discriminatory to disabled people, I just want to find a system which is fair to everyone.
“The findings of this extended consultation period will be reported back to cabinet for further consideration.”
Asked if she thought the county council had handled this situation badly she said: “With hindsight we should have done it in the first place.”
- Go to www.northantshp.co.uk to watch a video of Cllr Heather Smith speaking about the change in post 16 school transport policy.
Also log onto our website to watch a video of Hazel’s visit to see Peter Bone MP.
