Rhondda Cynon Taff Council: Abolish the Planned Charges to Learner Travel
This petition is in response to the letter received titled: Learner Travel Policy, Information and Arrangements for the 2016/17 Academic Year
Many parents in the RCT area who have children that rely on the provided bus services have recently received a letter stating that the council intend to change their current policy and implement a charge of £285 per child, or £95 per child who receives free school meals (per year). They will cap the charges for a family with 3 or more children, charging for the maximum of 2 children.
As a parent I am completely outraged by this decision.
Every parent wants to ensure their child/children receive the best education possible, so they can secure the future they deserve. But the council have made the decision that we should pay for the privilege to transport our children to and from school. Not all families have access to a car and many families in the area struggle with financial difficulties as it stands — this will just make the situation a lot worse. The new policy they are implementing is very matter of fact.
For families unable to pay, they appear to only have the following options:
- Relocate the child to a closer school — this is not always possible
- Relocate the entire family to within walking distance of their current school — this isn’t financially viable!
Does the council care?
From reading the letter and looking at the information provided I can quite clearly say 'NO' they do not.
What can we do?
Please sign this petition so we can submit it to the council for a review in an attempt to ensure that our children get the education that they rightfully deserve.
