Tom Gordon joins call for rethink of disastrous school transport policy in North Yorkshire

14 Nov 2024
Tom Gordon and activists with a large banner reading "kids at risk for no gain" outside the Houses of Parliament

Tom Gordon presented a petition to the House of Commons on Wednesday, calling for North Yorkshire Council to reverse the planned cuts to school transport, that would see pupils only provided with transport if they are attending their closest school. Tom previously raised the issue  in Parliament, back when it was first presented by the council. 

 

Tom also local activists on Wednesday to hand in a petition with more than 2,000 signatures to the Department for Education calling for North Yorkshire Council to reverse the planned cuts. This petition has also been presented to North Yorkshire Council at County Hall in Northallerton.

 

Tom, parents, and the Liberal Democrats in North Yorkshire are worried that the changes could lead to school buses being run on unsuitable rural lanes that could be unsafe and even blocked in winter. There are also concerns that some children may be forced to attend schools outside the county, that small primary schools could close, and larger schools might be forced to cut teacher numbers and reduce the breadth of education available. In other parts of the country, similar policies have an exception that allows a child to attend the closest school in the county. 

 

The new policy was backed by most Conservative and all Labour councillors. The Liberal Democrats have strongly opposed the measures.  It is not clear whether the changes will save the council any money. 

Commenting, Tom said: 

 

“The home to school transport policy is not fit for purpose in its new form so having a policy that encompasses and understands the needs of rural people and rural communities is really key. And on that, North Yorkshire (Council) have failed. 

 

“This decision to reduce free school transport services across North Yorkshire has been poorly thought through. It disadvantages children in rural communities and threatens to undermine some of the best schools in the county. That there is little evidence to suggest it will result in cost savings makes it even more absurd. We need to make sure all children in North Yorkshire get the support and education they need.”

Tom Gordon and local North Yorkshire activists stood outside the Department for Education
Tom and North Yorkshire Activists are campaigning to save North Yorkshire's school buses

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